Whittled Words – Awdl Gywydd Poem
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!
i enjoyed all of these and find the pattern an interesting one –
Thanks Beth! One of my favorite forms.
A very nice style, and your example was smashing good!
Thank you brother!
Always my pleasure my brother!
I like this form, for the many opportunities to connect the lines together through rhyme. well done!
Thank you Jim!
I really like this form, and your poem is beautiful, as always.
And you are too kind, as always! Thank you!