Arabian Sonnet

A quatorzain made up of 2 quatrains + 2 tercets.
metric, iambic pentameter.
rhymed, aaaa bbbb ccc ddd.
Volta on the 9th line.

Sample Poem:

Tell Me of Your Anger in Whispers (Arabian Sonnet)

A silence is most fine thing when irate.
It’s wise of you my dear, therefore, to wait,
re-think the message goal and contemplate
how goals are reached when embraced by your mate.

If my own blunder may have made you mad
a defensive re tort might well be bad
when thoughtful comment ought to now be had.
Let’s frame discussion so to make you glad.

Perhaps, the words should simply disappear.
Unleashed, harsh words will travel like a spear.
Use calm and dulcet tones I love to hear.

We want to solve a problem, not to fight.
My love, use whispers closely late tonight.
I love you dearly; I will make it right.

© Larry Eberhart, aka Lawrencealot

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Alternating Sonnet

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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