Tri-Dodeca

tri ... 3

dodeca ... 12

The tri-dodeca is a simple but challenging poetry form that consists of three stanzas of four lines each.

The unique thing about the tri-dodeca is that each line is exactly three syllables long.

There is no rhyming scheme and the style can be adapted to any format, as long as it follows the

three stanza

four lines

three syllable per line

format.

Therein comes the challenge to writing this style.

There are no restrictions on subject with this poetry form, so it can be pretty much about anything.

I created this style while completing the 200 Poem Challenge, sponsored by the Poets Pub.

Here is the first official tri-dodeca that I wrote.

I hope you enjoy this new style.

Bill

~~~~~

40 proof

the whiskey

in my hand

bitter taste

desert sand

watered down

tears i cry

bloodied red

a heart died

40 proof

prison bars

life sentence

deeper scars

~~~~~

Tempoem

The Tempoem is a poetry style created by Bill Temple in December of 2012.

It is a very simple style that consists of 28 words, divided into 7 lines, that all rhyme.

Constructing a Tempoem

The layout of a Tempoem is very simple.

Line one consists of 7 words.

Line two consists of 6 words.

Line three consists of 5 words.

Line four consists of 4 words.

Line five consists of 3 words.

Line six consists of 2 words.

Line seven consists of 1 word.

The last word of line one must be rhymed with lines 2 - 6.

The seventh line (one word) is the same as the end of line one.

The last word of line one is also the title of the Tempoem.

When reading a Tempoem, it should read easily from top to bottom (lines 1 - 7), as well as from bottom to top (lines 1 - 7).

By this, it means the Tempoem should make sense both ways.

To complete the process of a Tempoem and to create the perfect Tempoem, it should be ascetically visual.

This is not an absolute, but it does offer a visual excellence.

(Sometimes using double spacing can add to the effect of the Tempoem)

EXAMPLES

Fight

Never give up, keep up the fight

Walk the dark tunnel, to light

Keep  the  goal   in  sight

Ignore the dark night

Reach that height

Victory delight

Fight 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Variations ...

The Double Tempoem

A Conversation about Caring

"Put down that blade, please for me."

"Why  should   I, what  do  you  care?"

"I've  made  mistakes,  that  I  see."

"Mistakes.You were just never there."

"It's not too late, please."

"I need  you  to  hear."

"I'm listening sweetie, honestly."

"This is no dare."

"I understand completely."

"I am sincere."

"I agree."

"Be aware."

"Me?"

"Care."

(A double Tempoem. A conversation between a parent and a child.)

As you can see by this example, it is every second line that rhymes.

The Double Tempoem follows the same format as the single, but it combines two in one.

This form is especially effective in comparing things and for conversations.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Mirror Tempoem

Red

Sails in the sunset, glowing magnificent red

Signs    of    a    glorious    day   ahead

Honeymoon spot for the newlyweds

Fireworks exploding, inside heads

Passions   ignite,  bed

Silence spreads

Red

Volcano's head

Molten  lava   bed

Fiery balls, flying overhead

Nightmare spot, dreams now dead

Glorious  morning,  now  full of  dread

Sails  in  the  sunset,  now  burning   red

The Mirror Tempoem is actually two Tempoems, connected by a central keyword (in the above case Red).

~~~~~

Another variation of the Tempoem was first conceived by ScottArroy for a competition at the Poets Pub. It follows the same basic structure as the Tempoem, only each of the 7 lines start with the same word.

Scott's Tempoem is below.

Please (ScottArroy)

Please believe the absolute power of bees

Please allow trees to prevent disease

Please cease the thawing freeze

Please ease those degrees

Please some expertise

Please appease

Please

Thank you Scott for this new and unique take on my poetry style.