“Puente” means bridge in Spanish. This form was invented by James Rasmusson.
Constructed in 3 stanzas, the 1st and 3rd are separate thoughts but share an equal number of lines and the center, bridge stanza. The middle stanza is one line and is enclosed in tildes (~) to distinguish itself as both the last line of the first stanza and the first line of the last stanza.
The meter and rhyming are at the poet’s discretion, free verse being perfectly acceptable. The title is has no guidelines; it need not match the bridge stanza like the example below.
Example Poem
Opportunity Knocks
A new form came upon the scene
and sep’rate topics are required
with bridging line in between
as linked by poet, so inspired.
~ it’s both a test and opportunity~
Another contest has appeared
it features something yet untried
but that is nothing to be feared;
try it, you’ll be satisfied.
© Lawrencealot – May 31, 2013