Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Ottava Rima

Originally used for long poems on heroic themes, the ottava rima later came to be popular in the writing of mock-heroic works. The lines follow a rhythmical pattern of iambic pentameter (un-stressed and stressed syllables alternating) with an abababcc rhyme scheme. Each stanza is comprised of 8 lines, with the first six encouraging the unwinding of the imagination, while the last two rhyming lines (cc) often give a short pause to rest before continuing and express a truth. Write one ottava rima of 3-5 stanzas by the end of the period.

Example of iambic pentameter:

The da-DUM of a human heartbeat is the most common example of this rhythm.
A standard line of iambic pentameter is five iambic feet in a row:

da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM
The tick-TOCK rhythm of iambic pentameter can be heard in the opening line of Shakespeare's Sonnet 12:
"When I do count the clock that tells the time”

 Example of an ottava rima:

Our Canine Paladin

We're sure the robbers shudder in the night (a)
just thinking of our canine paladin, (b)
while Lucy sniffs the air for signs of plight, (a)
in every nook and cranny that's within (b)
her boundaries, in case intruders might (a)
ignore the risk of scratched or punctured skin. (b)
Alas, we've seen the mighty Lucy hide (c)
behind us when she hears a noise outside.(c)

Portraying fearlessness is just a show,
for terriers project their self-esteem
for all to see, from breeding long ago,
they are the leaders of their home regime.
From safety Lucy barks to let them know
to keep this house apart from any scheme,
but with a simple knock she hits the floor
with body wags for any at the door.

21 comments:

  1. I look out upon the sky
    Hoping I can take flight
    I find myself wondering why
    It’s too scary to take that bite
    I don’t want to watch life pass by
    I need to live with all of my might
    I don’t need to leave
    I only need to be able to breath

    The waves crash below me
    I open my arms wide
    I use my body to form a‘t’
    I feel an ache in my side
    But how can that be
    I just want to watch the tide
    I can feel my heart breaking
    And there’s no way I’m faking

    You have caused this
    You crushed my dreams
    And every single wish
    You and all your silly teams
    Of monsters that have a dish
    Of all my hopes and beams
    But I will fly still
    And be the one you could not kill

    ReplyDelete
  2. Everyone has a family in this world
    These people are always by your side
    These people are brave and bold
    They will never leave you or hide
    Through better or worse they will not fold
    If you leave them they will look for you worldwide
    And if you don’t have one
    Friends will help you get your stuff done

    There are friends that take your families place
    They are the ones that have your back
    They help you with everything as if they were an ace
    They will never hurt you or attack
    If you don’t have were to stay, there house is a base
    If you feel down they will help you carry your imaginary backpack
    These people will always love you
    And never let you feel blue

    If you have either or
    They will be helpful
    They won’t be against you but for
    They will be nice and peaceful
    You will always be adored
    You won’t ever feel dull
    They are your best friends
    Until the end

    ReplyDelete
  3. The sky is dark as night
    The trees begin to blow
    There is no more sun light
    The rain begins to show
    Slowly losing sight
    The river is low
    It begins to rise
    And grow in size

    The thunder claps
    It shakes the house
    The trees collapse
    The rain makes the people outside douse
    The storm begins to move
    And the warnings become removed

    The rain starts to stop
    And the sun starts to come out
    The falling rain plops
    The flowers begin to sprout
    The sun is fully shining
    And the birds begin singing

    ReplyDelete
  4. Young and in love in a beautiful way
    But star-crossed lovers they were doomed to be
    She wanted to be with him every day
    He loved her more than a fish loves the sea
    She wept for him and begged for him to stay
    He held her and told her they could never be
    He went to war; a bullet pierced his vest
    But his love for her still beat in his chest

    ReplyDelete
  5. Memories come drifting back to me.
    I remember cool summer nights.
    Laying on the grass with my honey.
    I remember pointless fights.
    That now mean nothing.
    But it’s alright.
    We were both loving.
    Having fun in the moonlight.

    I never knew how fast time went by.
    I went to sleep young, but woke up old.
    Before I knew it I was saying goodbye.
    To all my friends feeling alone.
    What would I find in this open sky?
    Would I find my own home?
    Or would I let life pass me by?

    You only live this life one time.
    So forget about your regrets.
    The top is a steep climb.
    You can do it just don’t forget,
    To have fun at the same time.
    No one knows what happens tomorrow so don’t sweat.
    Do no crimes.
    Enjoy life, because it’s not over yet.

    ReplyDelete

  6. With a soft, comforting smile
    She led him into the abyss.
    His thoughts began shift at least a mile,
    As her actions were surely not hard to miss.
    He followed along for a very short while
    In the forest he wandered, with his steps pure amiss
    And then the little girl had wandered out of sight,
    He was left alone; scared beyond delight.

    It took all he had not to quiver or cry
    When the little girl left him,
    He thought he was sure to die.
    As Dawn turned to dusk, and the sun began to dim,
    He was shadowed by the darkening sky.
    The little girl watched, with a devilish grin.
    She was far from in sight
    Where she left him alone in the black of the night.

    This poem will now end
    My thoughts have drawn a blank
    I’m terribly sorry, dear friend
    But these ideas, they have shrank.
    I hope you understand, I hope your thoughts of me will re-mend,
    But I’m sorry my friend, this poems walked the plank.
    Goodbye and farewell,
    Ah, there’s the bell!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The smell that is left after rain
    Unexpectedly finding money
    Switching to drive on the fast lane
    The sweet taste of honey
    Rereading a good novel again
    Spending the day outside while it is sunny
    These are just some of life’s simple pleasures
    A few joyous, little treasures

    Making the yellow light
    Putting on clothes straight from the dryer
    Going for a swim at night
    Sitting around a bonfire
    Stopping by grandma’s house to grab a quick bite
    Wearing impressive, elegant attire
    Enjoy the little things, for those are what matter
    Or let them go to waste if you’d rather

    Watching the sunrise
    Singing in the shower
    Receiving a surprise
    Feeling as if you have all the power
    Starring into your lover’s eyes
    Making it home before rush hour
    We more than often take such things for granted,
    But must learn to appreciate them and make our days a little more enchanted.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The eerie noises echoed in the night
    They sent cold chills throughout the forest floor
    The travelers were cowering with fright
    They knew that they could not run anymore
    Their leader turned around, he stood to fight
    But he was just no match, his stance was poor
    And so he fell, the first, but not the last
    The others screams are echoes of the past

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ryan P. Tunison

    In that setting taken by curtain and stage,
    Where once many a thespian took claim,
    Now with that projector bringing them age,
    I could make my point and with it my aim,
    To the gentle heart that so calms my rage,
    That unyielding love that determines to tame,
    Forever in that grasp do I feel weak,
    To remain hushed and ever meek.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I can’t describe how I feel
    I feel like I’ve never felt before
    This to me is a very big deal.
    I really just found the cure
    I’m happy I can help kids heal.
    Less people crying on the floor.
    I really just found the cure for cancer
    For a moment I turned into a dancer


    Everyone is happy for me because I’ll have wealth
    But really I could care less about the cash
    I only care about people’s health
    I’m happy I can make people’s lives less trash.
    Now it’s time to move on to bigger things
    Like make little children grow some wings

    ReplyDelete
  11. Why is it that we always want more when we already have so much?
    We should be satisfied with what we are already given.
    We can never be fully content with what we have received even though we have much or around such.
    Some just can’t find a sense of happiness, but maybe that’s just because they have nothing to give.
    Maybe when it comes to happiness of what they have they are so out of touch.
    They just need a spark of something to become driven.
    They just need to see the world in new way.
    People just need to see that what they have is enough already, they need to see that, and that’s what I pray

    ReplyDelete
  12. The world grew dark and the light died down
    There was no one anywhere in sight
    houses were destroyed along with the town
    people cried out for fear of the fight
    The powers were destroyed and they were bound
    The darkness and grayness of the sky
    was torturous and no bird could fly

    As the darkness comes so does the night
    the creatures escape and venture out
    They cause pain, suffering but most of all fright
    the creatures cause chaos all about
    Where is the valiant hero with might
    the Earth is in destruction and drought
    where is the hero that will save all
    that will stand up and not take a fall

    Out of the sun comes the hero strong and great
    that will save the simple tiny small Earth
    he walks in the middle with unknown fate
    he is mighty and of great worth
    he wait for the moment of deaths date
    he dies there and the Earth is of new birth
    the world was finally in joy and peace
    the evil and destruction was ceased

    ReplyDelete
  13. The day’s darkness was followed by the night
    There was a fearing smell coming across
    It was like shadows passing through the light
    But when near his vision was at a loss
    He searched hoping for an intriguing bite
    The illumination flashed with a gloss
    He reached his home, with his shadow by side
    He walked in happy with nothing to hide

    ReplyDelete
  14. I feel so lonely tonight, I feel cold.
    Hate when it starts getting dark, hate the night.
    I hate feeling alone with no one’s hold.
    Feeling like this forever gives me fright.
    I’ve heard many stories of loneliness told.
    Many lack of someone’s hold that is tight.
    Feeling like this always is a nightmare.
    I’d rather give up my gift of free air.

    I’m not really looking but I want it.
    I want someone’s love, care and affection.
    A hand that in mine will perfectly fit
    The hand of one who’ll give me attention
    Someone who’ll love me a lot not, a bit
    I ask for nothing close to perfection.
    All that I ask for is for someone’s love.
    An eternal love that reaches above.


    There might be someone who my heart will crush.
    I have heard of the hearts that break in two.
    Because of this fear I’m not in a rush.
    I’ve heard there’s no remedy, tape or glue
    There’s nothing to cleanse it, it’s like winter slush
    There’s nothing to erase a love that grew.
    It is said memories last forever.
    Memories make love go away never.

    ReplyDelete
  15. In the night there’s a scream in the distance
    A scream that no one can hear, try to hear it
    A shudder comes to you with persistence
    Get the noises out of you mind, just be fit
    If you need help just get an assistant
    Make sure the secret is a big hit
    Not everything is to be shared with her
    She whines like a cat wait for her purr

    Many voices and screams will not be heard
    Don’t try to scream for no one can hear you
    Can you see that lonely flying bird?
    In secrecy you want to be one too
    Those screams you say are screams of those nerds
    People are wild animals in zoos
    Please try to control those crazy feelings
    Don’t try to hit your face in the ceiling

    In a dark alley screams will not be heard
    I promise to watch you like a raven
    I swear I will be a very bad bird
    Don’t think this will be heaven or haven
    I will trample you like a giant herd
    Please, just think I will want you to cave in
    Believe me things will not be so simple
    Don’t smile, I don’t want to see those dimples

    ReplyDelete
  16. I heard a loud sound in the house that night
    I was terrified by the sound I heard
    I sound gave me a bit of a fright
    Out of the darkness was a large winged bird
    Suddenly there was a bright flash of light
    When I saw the light I felt like a nerd
    I bird was flying around I was scared
    I ran so fast my shirt began to tear

    I tried to scream out but no one could hear
    A tall shadow followed me down the street
    I was so scared and full of constant fear
    Suddenly I felt a tug on my feet
    Death was approaching me so close and near
    I began to feel my pounding heart beat
    Running was all I could think of doing
    In the shadows I heard a faint booing

    I promised myself I would be okay
    I knew in my heart I would be dead soon
    I did not think this would happen today
    Over my head I saw the silver moon
    If you asked me if I would live no way
    My head was playing a constant tune
    Soon it would be over is what I thought
    I continued telling myself I fought



    ReplyDelete
  17. A Place Distant From All Places

    One night at that house is like a lifetime
    Back home. The woods engulf the property
    And they remain as quiet as a mime,
    Creating a kind sort of scenery
    Where the sparrows continuously chime
    Their music; it’s an unspoken beauty.
    The wind whispers throughout the vast, green growth
    And it does so as if singing an oath.

    When the darkness falls, so does the silence,
    And from the shrubbery a glow gleams bright.
    The distant mountains show their eminence
    As the windows absorb the lack of light,
    And each bulb burns through with such elegance
    That the room emits a toasty delight.
    Without admittance, swift air seeps inside,
    Leaving the chilliness to then subside,

    But the flames from the fireplace ruffle
    And the pages of the novel flutter
    In a strange, uncontrollable scuffle
    With the wind. She rises, shuts the shutter,
    And curls into her cocoon to muffle
    The commotion, where she lies in utter
    Comfort—the heat inside circulating
    Passionately—now peacefully sleeping.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Where should I go to find an adventure?
    I should sail the sea and fight a giant whale,
    I could try to find the ultimate cure,
    I might meet a stranger with a tall tale.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. or perhaps I will find a fish that purrs.
      and then I can try to find my red snail.
      But, if I go on my adventure here,
      I will not be able to be elsewhere.

      Delete
  19. Another twinkle that lights up the sky
    Another cloud that passes me
    I focus my gaze up high
    Another night of guessing what could be
    As I watch another star shoot by
    That could even be a wish that I see
    That is defiantly something I didn’t miss
    The star dust that leaves a trail after like a fairy dust kiss
    Maybe even those small still twinkles are their forms
    Fairies flying by the light of the moon
    Pushing away any signs of storms
    Bringing with them sweet dreams to touch young minds soon
    And happiness swarms
    In their hearts they carry a special tune
    These beautiful magic filled joys
    Bring good thoughts to all the girls and boys
    So the next time you see a flash of light
    Try to chase it for a while
    If you think it will be easy, you never know it might
    And when you find their hiding space it will bring you a smile
    And believe me you sure will be in for a sight
    They will dance and sing until they have to go
    Soon they’ll have to chase after the moon while you cry out for them to stay and no


    ReplyDelete