Whittled Words – Tricube Poem
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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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TRICUBE POEM
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Unlike the many classical forms we have already covered in this series, the Tricube is a newer form and relatively unknown. Plus, it is fun and easy to learn. This mathematical poem was introduced by Phillip Larrea.
Here are the rules of tricubes:
- Each line contains three syllables.
- Each stanza contains three lines.
- Each poem contains three stanzas.
So, we are talking cubes in mathematical terms (to the third power). No rules for rhymes, meter, etc. Just three, three, and three. It is as easy as that!
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Examples of Tricube Poems:
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MY WORLD
By writerdeviant
My crown bears
the deep thorns
of regret.
Memories
burn dark holes
in my mind
where no one
treads lightly
or remains.
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RESIST
By Robert Lee Brewer
i avoid
dead end streets
like the plague
because i
don’t enjoy
backtracking
but the plague
is a street
with no end
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WHEN A CHILD DIES
By Joseph Moon
A sad heart
pounds in vain
her young Son
Laid to rest
church bells chime
as rain falls
Soft dirge songs
wet tired eyes
Cry! God cries!
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EVERY
By Brad Osborne
Every path
Strewn with stones
Tread lightly
Every day
Lovely gift
Hold tightly
Every man
Given chance
Shine brightly
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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 Tricube poem. Thanks for reading!
commonsensiblyspeaking 
love the clipped cubic form, must have been a fun one to do
This was fun and with such a limited syllable count, a bit challenging too. Thanks, Beth!
I’m sure it was
This looks like a fun form to try! I enjoy how you say keeping to the cubic form is easy. It is the restrictive forms I find most difficult.
Your poem is my favorite! 😘
I get that. You have always been one to color outside the lines. Your poetry should be no different. Thank you!
I never really thought of it that way. Thank you, my dear friend! ❤️
This may be my favorite form yet, Brad! They are succinct like a short song! Yours is always my favorite (I might be a BIT partial, but it’s true!). I need to try this one out! Stay blessed my dear friend.
Thank you, Karla! I will take all the partiality I can get. Blessings to you, my friend!
It’s my pleasure! You got it! And many blessings to you!!
Every word
Has to count
Do the Math
Every one
Can follow
On that path
But few pack
The same words
That Brad hath
It took longer than I had hoped, but I finally got you to write poetry, and it is perfect to form and beautiful!
I cannot write good poetry but I can spot it when you do!