Poetic Form: Monotetra
The monotetra is a poetic form developed by Michael Walker. Here are the basic rules:
- Comprised of quatrains (four-line stanzas) in tetrameter (four metrical feet) for a total of 8 syllables per line
- Each quatrain consists of mono-rhymed lines (so each line in the first stanza has the same type of rhyme, as does each line in the second stanza, etc.)
- The final line of each stanza repeats the same four syllables
- This poem can be as short as one quatrain and as long as a poet wishes
Personally, I like the rhyme scheme and the repetitive final line of each stanza. I also appreciate the flexibility of this form in terms of how long or short the poem can be.
Here's my attempt:
"The view from up here"
We found a rock on the hilltop
that we used as reason to stop
and talk about our school's sock hop--
where music pops, where music pops.
She told me I should learn to dance,
but I was concerned with romance
and wanted to make an advance--
she said, "No chance;" she said, "No chance."
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Live the life poetic with these resources:
- More than 20 other poetic forms
- Writing the Life Poetic, by Sage Cohen
- The Poetry Dictionary, by John Drury (which includes poetic forms, terms, and more)
- 2011 Poet's Market, edited by Robert Lee Brewer
- Advanced Poetry Writing workshop
