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!
25 comments:
I loved this one, Shay. Thanks for a great challenge.
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
Gorgeous artwork and a tricky little rhyme to sink one's teeth into.
Loved the Images.I tried doing rhyme royal but ended up with free verse :) - Sfurti
These are SO gorgeous! Where did you find these, Shay?
Love the art, Shay; and the form is a fun one. Will try to give it a go.
The art - very inspiring, but the royal rhymes...may be next time...Sorry. ~ Thanks, Fireblossom!
Her work is worldly dazzling-wow!
Thanks 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.
Cool images. Looking forward to reading the offerings.....
Wonderful images Shay..I tried my hands at tercet and two couplets....
I'm afraid mine ended up sounding like nursery rhymes, but I had some fun with the pictures as inspiration.
Hello again. came back to open my blog and I invite you to go to look at :)
lovely 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.
Wow, I came up with something, which surprised me, so maybe I'm out of my slump. Then again, maybe not.
Luv, K
i don't do rhymes, so I am abstaining, however, I am liking what I am reading of our offerings. Viva la
late in, but have enjoyed the prompt and responses ~
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.
..
Izy--do the free verse option, then, silly!
It's Saturday afternoon but I'll try and write anyway. :)
Gorgeous work. <3
Beautiful...thank you!
Loved these images! Thanks for introducing me to this artist, Shay!
LOVE 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...)
♥
I love this artwork.
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