Whittled Words – Lai 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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LAI POEM
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The lai is another French form. It is a nine-line poem or stanza that uses an “a” and “b” rhyme following this pattern: aabaabaab. The lines with an “a” rhyme use 5 syllables; the “b” rhyme lines have 2 syllables. It feels kind of like an organized skeltonic verse. Here is a visual representation of the form:
xxxxa
xxxxa
xb
xxxxa
xxxxa
xb
xxxxa
xxxxa
xb
Although somewhat restrictive in its form, there is a rhythmic beauty here that can lead to some powerful phrasing. Also, the use on near rhymes or slant rhymes can help if the rhyme scheme becomes a hurdle.
My research has shown that this style has morphed through the ages to include, “Lai Breton”, which is a lyrical, narrative poem written in octosyllabic couplets that often deals with tales of adventure and romance, and the “Virelai” with variable forms most often set to music and thus written in a number of bars with a refrain. For this entry, we will stick to this earliest form.
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Examples of Lai Poems:
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MISTLETOE
By Lawrencealot
…
Hang the mistletoe
tie it with a bow
then wait.
You’re aware, I know
You just use it though
for bait.
It’s most apropos
how it works, with no
debate.
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UNTITLED
By nogginquest
…
Are you really there?
So kind and so fair
I dream
Your vison is near
So strong and so clear
It seems
You stand by me here
And banish my fear
Serene
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HIDDEN PAIN
By Catherine Wilson
For years, I have tried
to hide pain inside
of me.
Call it stubborn pride.
Really I’ve denied
the plea.
Strong on the outside
my heart truly cried
a sea.
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IN THE QUIET TIMES
By Brad Osborne
Life is not a race
A metronomed pace
Sheer will
Find your happy place
Worries there erase
Hope fill
Nothing left to chase
A natural grace
Be still
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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 Lai poem. Thanks for reading!
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commonsensiblyspeaking 
this almost feels like a whimsical form, thought the content can be serious
With its brevity and line structure, it does have a whimsical and lyrical quality. It can cover any subject, but it does pair well with fantastical or ethereal things. Kind of like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and a good glass of red. Thanks Beth!
oh, that’s so perfect
I do not know why
you only came by
to leave.
You gave no reply.
What reason should I
believe?
Although I might sigh,
I’ll try not to cry
or grieve.
A beautiful example of the form, Alan! Well written. Thanks for sharing your work!
I like the rhyming style and structure of this poem. Nice job with your poem, it seems like it would be challenging to find the right words to fit into such a restrictive style, but you did it!
Thank you, Jim! The restrictive nature of the from does not lend itself to complex subjects, but it is wonderful for more common emotions.
ok, that makes sense…
Another most interesting form Brad, thank you so much for bringing these very creative ways to express art to us all!
Thank you, my brother!
You’re very welcome my brother!
I long to hear more
So open the door
And dive
With words we adore
Make them sing and roar
Alive
It won’t be a chore
Write a stanza four
And five
Perfection! I knew you had a little poet in you Geoff! Thanks for playing along!
Beautiful form Brad and sounds a bit like a song. As always I enjoyed your version the best but I also enjoyed the examples. Big hugs 🤗 Jonikins