About Poetry – How to Write a Triolet

A triolet is a French style of poetry that was present in the 13th Century.

The triolet contains 8 lines, with 2 rhyming schemes and some repeated lines.

Line 1 is repeated at line 4 and line 7. Then line 2 is repeated at line 8.

The rhyming scheme is: abaaabab. So one rhyme for all the a lines and a different rhyme for the b lines.

  1. a rhyme
  2. b rhyme
  3. a rhyme
  4. a rhyme – repeat line 1
  5. a rhyme
  6. b rhyme
  7. a rhyme – repeat line 1
  8. b rhyme – repeat line 2

Here is an example:

1. I wanted to write a triolet, (a)
2. to show off my poetic ability. (b)
3. Sipping at my cafe-au-lait, (a)
4. I wanted to write a triolet. (a - repeat line 1️⃣)
5. Is it a poem or a game to play? (a)
6. An expression of my fragility?  (b)
7. I wanted to write a triolet,(a - repeat line 1️⃣ )
8. to show off my poetic ability. (b - repeat line 2️⃣)
  1. a
  2. b
  3. a
  4. a repeat line 1️⃣
  5. a
  6. b
  7. a repeat line 1️⃣
  8. b repeat line 2️⃣

Why not try to write one? Here is one by Thomas Hardy.

How Great is My Grief?

How great my grief, my joys are few.
Since first it was my fate to know there.
Have the slow years not brought to view,
How great my grief, my joys are few.
Not memory shaped old times anew.
Nor loving-kindness helped to show thee.
How great my grief, my joys are few.
Since first it was my fate to know thee.

©Thomas Hardy.
©P. Interest.