Δέκα

(theh-ka)

The Greek number 10.

A simple poetry style that revolves around the number 10.

The layout of the Poem is constant.

5 couplets that consist of 10 syllables each.

1st couplet ...  

line 1 ... 9 syllables

line 2 ... 1 syllable

2nd couplet ...

line 1 ... 8 syllables

line 2 ... 2 syllables

3rd couplet ...

line 1 ... 7 syllables

line 2 ... 3 syllables

4th couplet ...

line 1 ... 6 syllables

line 2 ... 4 syllables

5th couplet ...

line 1 ... 5 syllables

line 2 ... 5 syllables

The rhyme scheme in a perfect world would be as follows.

line 2 , 6 and 10 would rhyme

line 4 and 8 would rhyme

This is a very open style and the rhyming can be of one's own digression or the poem does not need to rhyme at all.

The basic structure of the 5 couplets is far more important and does not vary.

~~~~~~~~~~

Examples ...

Perfect form ...

My Granddaughter's Eyes

It took many years; it took many

tries.

Found my lover, my forever,

my friend.

Everything I wished for was

realized.

Never thought I could fall

in love again.

Then I looked into

my Granddaughter's eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~

Variations

accomplish

I will never really accomplish

much.

History won't remember who

I am.

My ashes lost forever

on the wind.

But I am not looking

for sympathy.

I accomplished more

than I thought I would.

~~~~~~~~~

Alive

I walk the city streets alone at

night.

My friend's tell me that I have a

death wish.

I tell them, "You simply don't

understand."

My existence is such

a mundane thing.

This is the only

way I feel alive.

~~~~~~~~~~

A pretty basic style, so why not give it a try.