Sunday Mini-Challenge - Triquain

In my search for an interesting form for us to try this weekend, I came across the Triquain, created by Shelley A. Cephas, which seems to me to  be filled with possibility. Source

What I like about this form is that it leaves a lot of the decision-making up to the poet. For example, there is no set rhyme scheme so if you want to include rhyme, you can decide on your own scheme. Also, the basic pattern offers several variances in application, with no parameters as to length.

In its simplest form, the Triquain consists of seven lines, with syllables counted in multiples of 3.

3 - 6 - 9 - 12 - 9 - 6 - 3

The trick thereafter is in deciding how many of these stanzas you want to use. Rather like the Cinquain (from which it is undoubtedly derived), several options are presented.

Triquain Chain

This is a string of 2 - 4 stanzas with lines left between each one.

3 - 6 - 9 - 12 - 9 - 6 - 3  /  3 - 6 - 9 - 12 - 9 - 6 - 3 (and so on)

Crown Triquain

This is a string of 5 stanzas, as above. 

Triquain Swirl

The swirl is created by joining the stanzas together on the seventh line, eliminating the second 3 syllable line and the space between stanzas. The finished stanza will stand at 13 lines and may be repeated thereafter.

3 - 6 - 9 - 12 - 9 - 6 - 3 - 6 - 9 - 12 - 9 - 6 - 3 

Furthermore, you may like to include an element of repetition in either the Crown or Swirl, by taking a 3 syllable word or phrase from one of the longer lines and using it as the final 3 syllable line of the stanza or at the bridge of the swirl. I hope I have not made this sound more complicated than it should be!

Once you have experimented to your heart's content, link up your poems below and have fun visiting the blogs of others to see what they have made of this neat form.

Sheet Music photo credit: Heartlover1717 via photopin cc

Zebra photo credit: catlovers via photopin cc