The following description and example ares reposted with permission from Poetry Magnum Opus, with thanks to Judi Van Gorder for years of work on that fine resource.
The Folía is a nonsensical or a ridiculous poem, originating in 16th century Spain, probably influenced by a Portuguese dance song.
The elements of the Folía are:
- stanzaic, written in any # of quatrains.
- syllabic, 8 syllables lines or shorter.
- rhymed, rhyme scheme abab cdcd etc.
- ridiculous or nonsensical.
Silly Willy by Judi Van Gorder
In old 16th century Spain
when poets felt a bit silly
they’d dance circles round in the rain
and write rhymed verse willy nilly.
My Example
Form: Folía
Bump and Grind
A kangaroo on roller skates
and polar bear on skis
were clumsy when they went on dates
excuse them if you please.
© Lawrencealot – February 11, 2015