Whittled Words – Monotetra 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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MONOTETRA POEM
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The Monotetra is a poetic form developed by Michael Walker. Here are the basic rules:
- Comprised of quatrains (four-line stanzas) in tetrameter (four metrical feet) for a total of 8 syllables per line
- Each quatrain consists of mono-rhymed lines (so each line in the first stanza has the same type of rhyme, as does each line in the second stanza, etc.)
- The final line of each stanza repeats the same four syllables
- This poem can be as short as one quatrain and as long as the poet wishes
Personally, I like the rhyme scheme and the repetitive final line of each stanza. I also appreciate the flexibility of this form in terms of how long or short the poem can be.
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Examples of Monotetra Poems:
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THE VIEW FROM UP HERE
By Robert Lee Brewer
We found a rock on the hilltop
that we used as reason to stop
and talk about our school’s sock hop–
where music pops, where music pops.
She told me I should learn to dance,
but I was concerned with romance
and wanted to make an advance–
she said, “No chance;” she said, “No chance.”
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COLLABORATION
By Lawrencealot
My gramp brought me a valentine.
To give to mommy and it’s just fine.
I’m four years old and it’s all mine.
A valentine. A valentine.
It’s got a heart and teddy bear
To show my mom how much I care.
A tiny voice came from nowhere,
“I’ve got no flair.” “I’ve got no flair.”
Somehow that card said words to me.
“I’m not as fine as I can be.
I need more personality”
that she can see, that she can see.”
“With your help lad, I’ll be much more.
I’ll be a card that she’ll adore.”
I’ll not be common anymore!
Accept this chore. Accept this chore.”
With a crayon I wrote just “my”
before “Mom”. She is my own, that’s why.
I signed Tommy then heard card sigh.
I don’t know why, I don’t know why.
The card she’s kept for all this time.
A priceless card that cost a dime.
Mom says I made the value climb
with my first rhyme, with my first rhyme.
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TOGETHER
By Brad Osborne
We venture into this dark night
With wounded hearts and withered sight
Where shadows hold the greater might
Where is the light, where is the light
There upon blackish, brackish ground
Practiced feet move without a sound
We sense the evil all around
Bravery found, bravery found
Who can hold back the ebony
The snare that steals a sense of free
Not found in “I”, not found in “me”
No one but we, no one but we
Now take my hand as offered so
Together we can make dawn glow
And as the light around us grows
I won’t let go, I won’t let go
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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 Monotetra poem. Thanks for reading!
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commonsensiblyspeaking 
This is a lovely style of poetry Brad. I like the second one a lot and yours was a lovely example of this style.
These lines particularly touched me.
“Not found in “I”, not found in “me”
No one but we, no one but we
Now take my hand as offered so
Together we can make dawn glow”
Two striving for the same goal whatever it is makes for a team. True in most everything we do. I have enjoyed spending my morning reading your work Brad, so thank you. I hope you have an amazing weekend. Perhaps it is starting to get biking weather. It will be beautiful here today. Sending love ❤️ Jonikins
very nice rhythm to these –
Thanks, Beth! The form is simple and fun.
Great example you created Brad! Loved it!
Thank you, brother! Miami has been missing you!
Could be, I didn’t realise how much I missed it too.
You are an excellent spokesperson for this form.
I would be a hit on Lemmingo!
You would be Poet Laureate of Lemmingo if you decided to relocate.
Now that is truly tempting…..