Romancing The Pen Forum French family of forms

French family of forms

Rondelet
French form
single septet.
Short lines are half the length of the longer lines
Rhyme pattern
A
b
A
A
b
b
A.

Example
When winter comes
then the whole world is ermine clad.
When winter comes,
beside the fire men are glad.
It is too cold to work outside
and wise men from the snow will hide.
When winter comes.

Rondine

French form twelve lines One septet 7 lines
One quintet 5 lines
Rhyme pattern
A
b
b
a
a
b R

a
a
b
b
a R

Example.

Is it not true? a selfish man will go
to any lengths to satisfy his lust
He will betray a woman�s na�ve trust.
Then he will claim that he is not at fault.
He accepts some blame but thinks she must know
the risks she takes.To blame him is unjust
Is it not true?.

There are such men but fortunately few
who will refuse all blame for what they do.
A gentleman views such men with distrust.
Is it not true?

Rondel

French form Thirteen lines
two quatrains 4 line
one quintain 5 lines

Rhyme pattern
A
b
b
a

a
b
A
B

a
b
b
a
A

Example

To man love is a thing apart
but not to women love is all
Their hearts once given held in thrall
transfixed by Cupids stinging dart.

To men seduction is an art
a ploy for which women may fall.
To men love is a thing apart
As they attempt to storm the wall

Protecting woman�s tender heart.
To men it matters not at all
they merely obey natures call .
and never to their prey impart
To men love is a thing apart.

Revised 3-Aug-07