Terza rima

A challenge is to write a poem in terza rima, a form invented by Dante, which he used in The Divine Comedy. It consists of three-line stanzas, with a 'chained' rhyme scheme. In other words, the first stanza is ABA, the second is BCB, the third CDC, and so forth. A particular meter is unnecessary, however, many English poets tend to use iambic pentameter. A common way of ending a poem in terza rima is with a single line, which rhymes with the middle line of the preceding three-line stanza.

My poem is a little nostalgic, as I think of my many friends who have immigrated to distant lands, as well as all the friends I have had to leave behind during my travels...

 

 

I once knew you

 

I once knew you well,

We'd laugh and cry

At the stories we'd tell

 

Now from far away I sigh -

It was the most difficult thing

To say goodbye

 

But one day I will once more sing,

When we once more together are,

For you do all my happiness bring

 

For now, I'll miss you from afar.

 

Andrea Vermaak