Hello, dear Toads and Pond followers! Fireblossom here with another Fireblossom Friday. Today we're going to try the Rhyme Royal. It's pretty simple, really.
The rhyme scheme is a-b-a-b-b-c-c. You can write seven-line stanzas, or you can break it up as a tercet and two couplets, like this:
a-b-a, b-b, c-c
OR as a quatrain and a tercet, like this:
a-b-a-b, b-c-c.
You can stop with seven lines, or repeat your pattern for as many stanzas as you like, making the Rhyme Royal a fine vehicle for narrative poetry. There is no syllable count, and although the Rhyme Royal is often written in iambic pentameter, we're not bothering with that today. Just follow the rhyme scheme and one of the seven line patterns I have laid out above.
Free verse option: for those who prefer to write free verse, here is your challenge. Write for any of the illustrations of W.T.Benda which I have included in this post. Wladyslaw Teodor Benda was born in Poland in 1873, and created illustrations for magazines, books and posters before dying in Newark, New Jersey in 1948. In his day, he was as well-known as Rockwell, Wyeth or Parrish, and his women have an exotic quality that I find quite appealing.
If you're really feeling adventurous, write a Rhyme Royal AND use one of Benda's illustrations to inspire you!
For this challenge, please write a NEW poem specifically for this challenge. Write a Rhyme Royal and/or something inspired by the art of W. T. Benda. Have fun!
Love these pictures, Shay, especially the third one. Am going to try to write something. I did try to write to Susie's prompt but my mind was full of sorrow and grief for my beloved niece whose husband had just died much too young. Luv, K
Oh man, I already wrote one rhyming poem this morning before seeing this prompt, which was unusual enough. I shall try to extricate another from the unwilling neurons.
I tried Rhyme Royal, but--since Angela Davis was on my mind--did not use the WT Benda illustrations. The result is not as magical as the form is meant to be, I think. I will try it again another day.
Hi Shay. I'm running late also. I would have liked to have done a string but one set was plenty for me after we returned from the theatre. It was a fun write, thank you. ..
I loved this one, Shay. Thanks for a great challenge.
ReplyDeleteLove these pictures, Shay, especially the third one. Am going to try to write something.
ReplyDeleteI did try to write to Susie's prompt but my mind was full of sorrow and grief for my beloved niece whose husband had just died much too young.
Luv, K
Gorgeous artwork and a tricky little rhyme to sink one's teeth into.
ReplyDeleteLoved the Images.I tried doing rhyme royal but ended up with free verse :) - Sfurti
ReplyDeleteThese are SO gorgeous! Where did you find these, Shay?
ReplyDeleteLove the art, Shay; and the form is a fun one. Will try to give it a go.
ReplyDeleteThe art - very inspiring, but the royal rhymes...may be next time...Sorry. ~ Thanks, Fireblossom!
ReplyDeleteHer work is worldly dazzling-wow!
ReplyDeleteThanks FB and happy Friday everyone~
I love her art-stunning~
Oh man, I already wrote one rhyming poem this morning before seeing this prompt, which was unusual enough. I shall try to extricate another from the unwilling neurons.
ReplyDeleteCool images. Looking forward to reading the offerings.....
ReplyDeleteWonderful images Shay..I tried my hands at tercet and two couplets....
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid mine ended up sounding like nursery rhymes, but I had some fun with the pictures as inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHello again. came back to open my blog and I invite you to go to look at :)
ReplyDeletelovely blog as always and excellent material
regards
I tried Rhyme Royal, but--since Angela Davis was on my mind--did not use the WT Benda illustrations. The result is not as magical as the form is meant to be, I think. I will try it again another day.
ReplyDeleteWow, I came up with something, which surprised me, so maybe I'm out of my slump. Then again, maybe not.
ReplyDeleteLuv, K
i don't do rhymes, so I am abstaining, however, I am liking what I am reading of our offerings. Viva la
ReplyDeletelate in, but have enjoyed the prompt and responses ~
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Shay. I'm running late also. I would have liked to have done a string but one set was plenty for me after we returned from the theatre.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun write, thank you.
..
Izy--do the free verse option, then, silly!
ReplyDeleteIt's Saturday afternoon but I'll try and write anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous work. <3
Beautiful...thank you!
ReplyDeleteLoved these images! Thanks for introducing me to this artist, Shay!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the art of W. T. Benda ~ i was not at all familiar with his work. thanks for introducing me to him. (sort of, since he's dead...)
ReplyDelete♥
I love this artwork.
ReplyDelete