The Alternating Sonnet is one of the French adaptations of the sonnet. It employs alternating quatrains and tercets in either order. Order determines rhyme scheme.
Rhyme Pattern: abba/ccd/abba/ede or aab/cddc/ebe/cddc
Metrical, usually Iambic Pentameter
Volta at L8, L11, or L12
Example Poem
Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Alternating Sonnet)
Should you be moved to speak in anger dear
I ask that first you test your words alone.
If anger stems from blunder of my own
You’ll want to be assured your meaning’s clear.
Is it essential now that blame be found;
will such proceed toward a common ground?
Are these first words intended to repair?
Perhaps, the words should simply disappear
for now, until your anger can abate.
There’s nothing risked delaying words that grate.
Unleashed, harsh words will travel like a spear.
If I have stumbled I’ll get straight, don’t fear.
A whispered message cancels all despair,
A dulcet voice- you know I’ll come around.
Lawrencealot – April 2013
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