Whittled Words – Awdl Gywydd Poem

Posted by Brad Osborne on October 1, 2021 · 9 Comments 

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Welcome to the weekly series, Whittled Words. A series highlighting the innumerable types and styles of poetry to challenge any creative wordsmith. This week’s selection:

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AWDL GYWYDD

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I love Welsh forms, because they tend to rhyme and this form includes the challenge of internal rhymes.

Now, let us look at the rules:

• Four lines
• Seven syllables per line
• The final syllable of the first and third lines rhyme with the third and fifth syllables of the following lines respectively
• The second and fourth lines should end in a perfect rhyme

Here is a visual representation of the form:

xxxxxxa
xxaxxxb
xxxxxxc
xxxxcxb

 

 

Note: As with any form, there is some artistic license here that allows the poet to slide the internal rhyme a little in either direction in the second and fourth lines, but once a position is chosen it should remain consistent throughout the entirety of the composition.

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Examples of Awdl Gywydd Poems:

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WATERMELON LESSONS

By Bill Watkins

Stealing melons as a boy
was a joy which we learned quick.
Tasting them was such sweet fun
though once done oft made us sick.

When caught we paid a price dear
with soon fear plus public shame.
We asked to pick from then on
and thus gone was that kid’s game.

We didn’t become a bad seed
and indeed we’re truly glad.
It was just a childhood prank;
now we’re thankful not sad.

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A HUG

By Pratap Roy

 

A hug is a wondrous gift;
What one wished to bring delight.
It conveys affection, care
removes fear, tells no more fright.

A hug fully charms senses,
no tension, shows I’m for you.
That feeling makes one speechless.
Hug reaches the torn soul too.

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STOP THE CLOCK

By Brad Osborne

Time in every small moment

With intent to pass me by

Where the longing for your kiss

Lingers in a wishful eye

Seconds tick as seconds do

But with you it seems too fast

I wished that I assured knew

How to make it truly last

Alas, the sun and moon move

As to prove time marches still

Minutes push into lifetimes

Against hopeful rhymes of will

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I hope you have enjoyed this entry to the series, Whittled Words. I look forward to your comments, and if you dare, maybe share your own Awdl Gywydd poem. Thanks for reading!

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