Therefore, I decided I needed to write a quatrain kind of poem, in order to get the two and two/twin thing going. I visited The Poets Garret for an idea, and found - to my delight - the form Shairi.
Twins
Sister and I saw two small cats. They looked at us and said, “Mew! Mew!”
Sister observed, “Like us, they’re twins – that’s twice as nice!” I said, “So true.”
She asked the cats if they would like to come with us, or just pursue
some wee field mice. Each thought a bit, then climbed aboard her wooden shoe…
…and my shoe, too.
###
For those who might be interested, here's the scoop on the Shairi:
This is a rather unusual form, originating from Georgia in the 12th Century. The English language version is a mono rhymed quatrain of sixteen (16) syllables broken up into four sections.
There are two versions, the Dabali Shairi or low version, and the Magala Shairi or high version. The low version is not really suited to the Iamb poet as it consists of five syllables, followed by three syllables, a caesura and then a triple rhyme. Here is the schematic;
For those who might be interested, here's the scoop on the Shairi:
This is a rather unusual form, originating from Georgia in the 12th Century. The English language version is a mono rhymed quatrain of sixteen (16) syllables broken up into four sections.
There are two versions, the Dabali Shairi or low version, and the Magala Shairi or high version. The low version is not really suited to the Iamb poet as it consists of five syllables, followed by three syllables, a caesura and then a triple rhyme. Here is the schematic;
| x x x x x, x x x, - x x x x x, (x x a) x x x x x, x x x, - x x x x x, (x x a) x x x x x, x x x, - x x x x x, (x x a) x x x x x, x x x, - x x x x x, (x x a) |
The Magali Shairi is much better suited to the Iambic user as sections are broken up into fours (or two iambs), there is still a caesura after the second section, but the requirement is only for a double rhyme. Here is that schematic;
| x x x x, x x x x, - x x x x, x x (x a) x x x x, x x x x, - x x x x, x x (x a) x x x x, x x x x, - x x x x, x x (x a) x x x x, x x x x, - x x x x, x x (x a) |
I enjoyed your story and I am always excited when I learn a new poetry form, so thanks for the info on the Shairi :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting form, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNice to see you back RJ...missed your writing. Thank you also for the Shairi...may be interesting to try sometime!
ReplyDeleteDarling poem !!
ReplyDeleteWe will have to try the form too !
ENJOY
JL&B
What a delightful way to head home with these two..on the top of their shoes.....thank you..bkm
ReplyDeleteThe story was sweet, Randi, and that graphic reminded me of the Katzenjammer Kids from the old comics! The Shairi seems complicated, but maybe I'll give it a try.
ReplyDeleteThis was a delight! Surprised you had time for a new poem, let alone a new form, so good for you! Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/spring-to-life-again/
Love your post. Adorable.
ReplyDeleteLisa
InspiredbyLisa
You've taught me about a type of poem completely new to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's an adorable form, and an adorable poem. "mew, mew"
ReplyDeleteShota Rustaveli XII century, poem "The Man in the Tiger's Skin"
ReplyDeleteLow shairi
He, who did create the universe with his omnipotent power,
And did breathe into his creatures vivid, high celestial ardor,
Who we did receive this world from in innumerably many a color,
He ordains the rule of monarchs and their creative force does empower.
High shairi
They beheld some curious stranger shading tears there by the water,
The black horse, next to him standing, matched to its lion-looking master; ...