* Your title must be 8 syllables in length
* 3 sestets (6 lines)
* 1 ending line
* 19 lines in all
* With the following syllable pattern: stanza 1 868868 stanza 2 and 3 are 868864
* Last line is 8 syllables in italics.
You may utilize iambic trimeter and iambic tetrameter if you so wish.
* Your rhyme per sestet is as follows:
Stanza 1: abbabc
Stanza 2: bbcddA
Stanza 3: deedeA
Final Line: e (Italicized)
* The A represents a refrain being utilized at the end of stanzas 2 and 3.
Your refrain is a shorter version of you first line in stanza 1.
* Also, each line can have internal rhyme this is optional,
and if you want to incorporate internal rhyme you don’t have to have
it on each line if you don’t want to.
MUST have end line rhyme per line, except your refrain.
* Stanza 1 is the original on its own
* Stanza 2 begins your interlocke, locking b with stanza 1
* Stanza 3 interlockes by locking in d with stanza 2
*Your last line is a 8 syllable one in italics using e rhyme pattern.
So, in essence your last sestet could be like this deedfA e.
*If you need to utilize fillers, that is your choice, I use them sparingly.
The Interlocke form is Copyrighted © April 2012 by Caroline A Gordon.
Example Poem
Let’s Write an Interlocke Form
On this line, next; Here’s a refrain.
To end stanzas two and three.
Where I placed “three” is fine you see
for common rhymes have much to gain.
That first “b” rhyme will see
five times it rhymes before we end.
You may choose rhyme in side. You’re free
To use end-rhyme only.
And use a set meter, my friend,
or not, a gain. You’re free to choose.
This form requires no booze.
Here’s a refrain.
The next line rhymes much. You can’t lose.
Remember closing line.
This is Interlocke– note entwine.
Do it well and you shall bemuse.
With discipline divine.
Here’s a refrain.
Another form we do define.
Visual Template
