Hi everyone!  We have been learning poetry forms both classic and invented since we started with this community.   I have been sharing invented poetry forms from other sites.   However, I would like to ask you poets, if you have an invented poetry form that you would like to share with us.   Let me know in the comments below.  In the meantime, let’s learn an invented poetry form today, Octelle.

The Octelle, created by Emily Romano, is a poem consisting of eight lines using personification and symbolism in a telling manner. The syllable count structure for this verse is 8, 8, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, and the rhyme scheme is aa/bb/cc/aa. The first two lines and the last two lines are identical.  Here is my example:

Summer’s end by Grace

Your words are brine and pickled seeds
I grow bittermelon and reeds
Your coat of apples, so bright
Turn to grimy grey, a blight
August sun is sipping tea
Yellowing red leaves with glee
Your words are brine and pickled seeds
I grow bittermelon and reeds

The poetic tools used with the above form are personification and symbolism.  We have discussed these tools in the past but below is a brief description.

Personification

A figure of speech in which the poet describes an abstraction, a thing, or a nonhuman form as if it were a person. When inanimate objects, are given human qualities, this results in a poem full of imagery and description. Example: “The wind moaned, beckoning me to come outside.” In this example, the wind—a nonhuman element—is being described as if it is human (it “moans” and “beckons”).

Symbolism

Symbolism is to convey the hidden meaning to the reader or listener. It tells us about artistic expression and represents abstract ideas. A writer can use a person, place, word, action, and object as a symbol. To covey his mood and emotion, the writer uses symbolism. It can be in a visual image or gesture. It helps in creating meanings and emotions in writing. Usually, symbolism contains several layers of meaning, which are robbed in different aspects and concepts. It gives depth to writing that cannot be expressed straightforwardly. It helps the writer to convey his thoughts on multiple levels.

Ah! Sun-flower – William Blake

Ah Sun-flower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun;
Seeking after the sweet golden clime
Where the traveler’s journey is done;

You can read the rest of the poem here.

The writing challenge is to write an Octelle as described above.

Sources:  here and here.

Here’s how to join in:

• Post a poem following the Octelle poetry form to your blog or website.
• Click on Mr. Linky. Copy and paste the direct link to your poem and add your name.
• Remember to check the box re: privacy policy.
• Follow the links to other poets. Read and comment on other poems.  We all appreciate feedback on our poems.
• Link back to dVerse so others can find us too.
• Have fun!