POETRY

Poetry is a form of literary expression that employs figurative language, vivid imagery,
and rhythmic patterns to evoke emotions and convey complex ideas. It embraces concise and
carefully chosen words, often organized into specific structures and forms, to create a condensed
and aesthetically appealing experience. Poetry captures subjective perspectives, exploring the
depths of human emotions and experiences, while inviting multiple interpretations through layers
of meaning and ambiguity. Its focus on the beauty of language and the power of sound
distinguishes it as a unique and evocative art form.
GENRES OF POETRY [ Education, K. K. M. (2021). Examples of Poetry Genres: Major
Styles Explained. In YourDictionary. https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-
poems.html ]

While there are many ways to classify poetry and these are the three common genres: lyric
poetry, narrative poetry, and dramatic poetry.
1. Lyric Poetry. Lyric poetry is one of the oldest and most prevalent genres of poetry. It focuses
on expressing the poet's personal emotions, thoughts, and observations, often in a musical and
highly imaginative manner. Lyric poems are typically short and introspective, aiming to evoke
intense feelings and create vivid imagery. They often explore themes of love, nature, beauty, and
the human condition. Examples of lyric poetry include sonnets, odes, elegies, and haikus.
2. Narrative Poetry. As the name suggests, narrative poetry tells a story. It presents a sequence
of events or a series of interconnected episodes, often with characters, settings, and a plot.
Narrative poems can be short or long, and they engage readers by using descriptive language,
dialogue, and various literary devices to create a vivid narrative experience. Epic poems, ballads,
burlesque and epics are examples of narrative poetry. These forms of poetry often incorporate
historical or mythological elements, capturing heroic deeds, legends, or folk tales.
3. Dramatic Poetry. Dramatic poetry is closely associated with the world of drama and
performance. It focuses on presenting a story or exploring emotions and ideas through the use of
dialogue and monologue. Dramatic poems often feature multiple voices, representing different
characters or perspectives, and they may employ theatrical techniques like soliloquies and asides.
One of the most famous examples of dramatic poetry is William Shakespeare's plays, such as
"Romeo and Juliet" and "Macbeth," where the dialogue is written in verse.
It's important to note that these genres of poetry are not mutually exclusive, and many poems can
blur the lines between them. For instance, a poem might combine elements of lyric and narrative
poetry, or it may incorporate dramatic elements within a lyrical framework. The categorization
of poetry into genres provides a useful framework for understanding and analyzing different
poetic forms, but ultimately, poets often experiment and transcend these boundaries, creating
unique and innovative works of art.
FORMS OF POETRY MasterClass. (2021, August 16). Poetry 101: What Is a Quatrain in
Poetry? Quatrain Definition with Examples - 2023 - MasterClass.
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-what-is-a-quatrain-in-poetry-quatrain-
definition-with-examples

QUATRAIN

Quatrain in poetry is a series of four-lines that make one verse of a poem, known as a
stanza. A quatrain can be its own poem or one section within a larger poem. The poetic term is
derived from the French word “quatre,” which means “four.” It emerged as a poetic form in
Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. It became more popular with the rise of polymath poets, who
were experts in many different subjects. During the eleventh century, also known as the Dark
Ages, a Persian astronomer, mathematician, philosopher, and poet named Omár Khayyám made
sole use of the quatrain in a book of connected verses entitled “Rubáiyát,” or “quatrains” in
Arabic. It was translated by English poet Edward Fitzgerald in the 1800s, helping its resurgence
as a popular poetic stanza.
The purpose of a quatrain in poetry is multi-fold. First, its length provides poets with
enough space to convey a complete thought or narrative within a single verse. Unlike shorter
forms like couplets, quatrains allow for a fuller expression of ideas and emotions. Second, the
various rhyme scheme possibilities offered by quatrains give poets flexibility in crafting their
work. With fifteen potential rhyme combinations, poets can choose a single scheme for
consistency or mix and match different stanzas and patterns to create a more dynamic and
playful tone. Lastly, the versatility of quatrains lies in their ability to accommodate different line
lengths, rhyme schemes, and meters. This adaptability allows poets to employ quatrains in
various poetic styles, from light and punchy poems to more structured and sonnet-like
compositions. Moreover, quatrains can even be used as free verse, providing a stanza without
any specific rhyme or rhythm. This versatility makes quatrains an attractive and valuable tool for
poets, as they offer a wide range of creative possibilities for poetic expression.
FIVE TYPES OF QUATRAINS
The five different types of quatrains offer diverse rhyme schemes, meters, and structural patterns,
showcasing the versatility of this poetic form.
1. Heroic stanza, or elegiac stanza, is written in iambic pentameter and follows an ABAB or
AABB rhyme scheme. This quatrain consists of ten syllables, with emphasis placed on every
second beat. It is often used in epic or narrative poetry, lending a grand and formal tone to the
verse.
2. Ruba'i is a Persian quatrain that gained popularity in English poetry during the eighteenth
century. It has an AABA rhyme scheme, allowing for more variety and flexibility in the rhyming
pattern. This form provides poets with the opportunity to explore philosophical or reflective
themes.
3. Ballad stanza employs an ABAB rhyme scheme, where lines alternate between iambic
tetrameter (eight syllables) and iambic trimeter (six syllables). Its rhythmic and melodic qualities
make it well-suited for storytelling or lyrical poems. Many songwriters use this form due to its
musicality.
4. Envelope quatrain, also known as an Italian quatrain, follows an ABBA rhyme scheme. The
first and fourth lines rhyme with each other, while the second and third lines form a separate
rhyming couplet. This quatrain is often found in Italian sonnets and can be written in iambic
pentameter, adding a sense of structure and elegance to the poem.
5. Memoriam stanza is an envelope quatrain written in iambic tetrameter (eight beats per line).
It takes its name from Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "In Memoriam." This form allows for the
expression of heartfelt emotions and is often used in elegiac or commemorative poetry.
These different types of quatrains provide poets with a range of choices in terms of rhyme,
meter, and overall structure, enabling them to shape their poetry according to the desired tone,
mood, and subject matter.

Example:

Emotions
Vanessa Joy D. Yuzon
I must say, I felt betrayed
now I know that I was played
although he chose to stay,
I know, that it was merely for display

Yesterday, I was not fine

Flap! Flap! Oh! what gorgeous wings

Oh dear! This is daring, and deft

The given poem displays several characteristics and elements of the quatrain form. It
consists of multiple four-line stanzas, adhering to the defining structure of a quatrain, where each
stanza presents a self-contained thought or idea. Additionally, the poem maintains a consistent
rhyme scheme within each quatrain, with a pattern of ABAA throughout, creating a sense of
cohesion. The length of each quatrain allows for the expression of complete thoughts, effectively
conveying emotions, experiences, and reflections. The poem delves into various emotions, such
as betrayal, sadness, acceptance, and the discovery of new hope, which are skillfully conveyed
within the structure of the quatrain. Moreover, the poem demonstrates the versatility of the
quatrain form by incorporating different variations, including descriptive, reflective, and
questioning stanzas, showcasing its flexibility in expressing a wide range of emotions and
perspectives. In conclusion, the poem effectively embodies the key characteristics of the quatrain
form, encompassing its structure, rhyme scheme, length, and ability to convey emotions.
TIPS IN WRITING QUATRAIN USING ALTERNATE RHYMING
Writing quatrains with alternate rhyming patterns can be a fun and creative way to express your
thoughts and ideas. Here are some tips to help you in crafting quatrain poems with alternate
rhymes:
1. Understand the Alternate Rhyme Scheme:
Quatrains with alternate rhyming patterns typically follow the ABAB or ABCB rhyme scheme.
In the ABAB pattern, the first and, third lines rhyme with each other, while the second and fourth
lines have a different rhyme. In the ABCB pattern, the second and, fourth lines rhyme, while the
first and third lines have distinct rhymes. Understanding this structure will help you maintain a
consistent rhythm and flow in your poem.
2. Choose Rhyme Pairs:
Selecting suitable rhyming words is essential for creating an effective quatrain. Take the time
to explore various rhyming options that fit the theme or emotion you want to convey. Make a list
of potential rhyme pairs before you start writing. Consider using online rhyming dictionaries or
brainstorming words that relate to your subject matter.
3. Pay Attention to Meter:
 Quatrains with alternate rhyming often follow a specific metrical pattern. Common choices
include iambic tetrameter (four pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables) or iambic pentameter
(five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables). Maintaining a consistent meter throughout your
quatrain will enhance its musicality and rhythm.
4. Experiment with Word Order:
Play with the arrangement of words in your quatrain. Alternate rhyming quatrains allow for
flexibility in word placement, enabling you to experiment with different sentence structures and
emphasize certain words or phrases. This can add variety and impact to your poem.
5. Use Imagery and Descriptive Language:
To create vivid and engaging quatrains, incorporate imagery and descriptive language. Paint a
picture with your words, appealing to the reader's senses and emotions. Use metaphors, similes,
and other literary devices to make your quatrain more evocative and memorable.
6. Edit and Revise:
After you've written your quatrain, take the time to revise and edit. Read it aloud to check the
rhythm and flow of the lines. Look for opportunities to improve word choices, enhance the
rhyme scheme, or clarify the meaning. Remember that revision is an essential part of the writing
process and can greatly enhance the quality of your work.
Remember, writing quatrains with alternate rhyming is a creative endeavor, and there's no one
"right" way to do it. Let your imagination guide you, and enjoy the process of crafting beautiful
and meaningful poems.

FREE VERSE POETRY

MasterClass. (2021b, August 16). Poetry 101: What Is the Difference Between Blank Verse and
Free Verse? - 2023 - MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-what-is-the-
difference-between-blank-verse-and-free-verse

A free verse poem is also known as a vers libre. It has no defined meter, no consistent
rhyme scheme, and no specified length, or formal requirements. Rather, it only follows its own
internal logic. It explicitly does away with any consistent rhyme scheme and meter. While the
free verse poem has no externally defined form, it does rely on sound, word choice, length, and
literary devices to become cogent and compelling. It can be long or short and it can cover any
subject as long as it doesn’t have a consistent rhyme scheme or meter.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FREE VERSE POETRY
1. CADENCE AND FLOW
In free verse poems, cadence is built from the language the poet uses. Poetic devices like
euphony, cacophony, and alliteration help develop the poem’s pace and rhythm.
2. FORM FOLLOWING LANGUAGE
The poem’s line lengths, stanza breaks, internal rhymes, cadence, and overall length are
defined by the words that the poet uses. This isn’t to say that free verse poems are easier to write
than formal poems, nor are they intrinsically “better” or “worse.” The end result is the same: a
piece of literature charged with imagery, emotion, language, meaning.
3. NON-UNIFORM LINES AND STANZAS
In the free verse poem, lines and stanzas do not need to be uniform. One line can have 2
words and the next can have 12; one stanza can have 8 lines and the next can have 1. This
freedom of lineation allows the poet to let language define the poem’s structure.
4. EXPERIMENTS WITH SPACE
Because free verse poems have no set length, they can play with space on the page in a
way that formal poems can’t.
5. PROSAIC QUALITIES
Free verse poems can borrow from the qualities of prose, using straightforward language
and sentence structure to reinforce poetic ideas.
6.