New Form: Parabolem

The Parabolem

 An attempt to merge the precision and symmetry of mathematics with the creative expression of poetry.

Stanzas and Lines

- 5 stanzas of varying length:

       1st 9 lines

       2nd 4 lines

       3rd 1 line

       4th 4 lines

       5th 9 lines.

- Poem is either title-less or uses the 3rd stanza as its title.

Rhyme and Meter

- 1^st and 5^th stanzas are terza rima, each with three unique line endings.

-  2^nd and 4^th stanzas are quatrains formed of two rhyming couplets.

-  Line length should be consistent throughout the poem, with a minimum of 6 syllables/beats per line.

- Rhyme Scheme: ABA.BCB.CAC  DE.DE  F  GH.GH  IJI.JKJ.KIK

Theme

-  The 3^rd stanza is the central idea of the poem. It can be a word, phrase, or sentence and is the one exception to the line length rule.

-  To reflect the mathematical nature of this poem the two stanzas on either side of the center are thematic opposites. For example: pessimistic/optimistic, past/future, natural/supernatural, etc.

- The purpose is up to the poet. One can choose to describe, react, praise, etc. as long as the previous thematic rules are kept.

- Thematic examples:   

BEFORE                NEGATIVE

BEFORE                NEGATIVE

EVENT                   ISSUE

AFTER                   POSITIVE

AFTER                   POSITIVE

Created by Tyler Letkeman on August 23rd 2014.