Whittled Words – Luc Bat 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:
~~~
LUC BAT POEM
~~~
The Luc Bat is a Vietnamese poetic form that means “six-eight.” In fact, the poem consists of alternating lines of six and eight syllables. This poem is interesting in its rhyme scheme that renews at the end of every eight-syllable line and rhymes on the sixth syllable of both lines.
Here is a diagram of the rhyme scheme and line lengths:
xxxxxA
xxxxxAxB
xxxxxB
xxxxxBxC
xxxxxC
xxxxxCxD
xxxxxD
xxxxxDxE
And so on. Luc bat poems have no set length or subject matter, and some run on for thousands of lines.
~~~
Examples of Luc Bat Poems:
~~~
MEASURE
by R J Clarken
I heard a note…then more.
It soon became a score. It rose
and grew. Would one suppose
those notes are just for those who hear
that magic flute? Unclear.
But still…I know when ‘ere it’s played
I’d march in its parade:
its song can never fade. A note…
~~~
TO OUR ROYAL LOVE
By J. Lynn Sheridan
What love is this that night
delays our secret flight into
lost passion? I’ll hold you
until sorrows are few and faint,
until tears of joy paint
chains of hearts into quaint embrace.
Then, with sigh and pearled lace,
we’ll soar high upon love’s grace toward
ancient dreams. Over fjord
and vale to claim reward—a song
of gold, a ring of strong
desire where we belong as one.
~~~
JACK MEETS LOKI
By Taylor Graham
Look at him, pup who lived
in a crate, his life sieved through wire.
What does a dog desire
but to let the bright fire of sun,
wind, earth stir him, to run
to the horizon? One new friend
to lead, to tug the end
of leash, to make it bend; to fly.
The two of them dash by
so happy under sky, alive.
~~~
THE SMALLEST SPARK
By Brad Osborne
Even the smallest spark
Is all you need to start the fire
The burning of desire
A rampant, raging pyre for one
And in the ashes won
An eternal flame undone by
Any self-serving lie
Or wretched alibi, false heart
That tears the fire apart
And bids the love to start to die
~~~
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 Luc Bat poem. Thanks for reading!
~~~
this form does make for an interesting cadence when read aloud, and yours has such a sad ending
Thank you, Beth!
Nice post
Thanks
Thank you!
A very good form indeed Brad! Who knows, maybe I’ll try it!
I still have to try your Euro-ku too. Thank you, my friend!
You’re very welcome my friend, and I am sure when you do it will be smashing good.
I like this form. Your poem is sad but true.
Thank you, beautiful!
Interesting format. “The smallest spark “ is the one I loved the most.
Thank you!
I love the rhythm and rhyme to this style Brad. As usual I prefer your poem to the example. The poems a little bit sad, forlornness mixing with love. Beautiful writing. Have a wonderful week Jonikins. ❤️🦋
Thank you, Jonikins! 🙏
You are most welcome. 🙏