For Tanka Tuesday – I tried the Diatelle… finally! End rhymes have never been my favorite. I prefer the subtleness of haiku or tanka with the revelation that grabs you! Truthfully, I found it difficult to find the right word, as the rhyme dictated my choices. However, I enjoyed the form and will work with it further.
The Diatelle is a fun, syllable counting form like the etheree with a twist. The syllable structure of the diatelle is as follows: 1/2/3/4/6/8/10/12/10/8/6/4/3/2/1, but unlike an etheree, has a set rhyme pattern of abbcbccaccbcbba. This poetry form may be written on any subject matter and looks best center aligned in a diamond shape.

“Spring”
spring
sunlight
grows in might
darkness recedes
old winter wind’s harsh bite
melts the last snow airing new weeds
yellow heads releasing their fluffy seeds
who like the scarlet cardinal have taken wing
saffron forsythia blossoms now freed
tumble gently like star shine beads
new life, a welcome sight
as marsh hares breed
plants take heed
life’s creed—
spring
©2021 Colleen M. Chesebro
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That’s gorgeous, Colleen as spring emerges! This one was tough for me but glad I tried it.
I had a rough go of it too, Denise. I’ll keep working with it. It was fun to try for sure. <3
This form seems to be quite challenging Colleen! Your poem is beautiful.
Thank you! It’s a challenge to find the right word that rhymes at the right time. LOL! It was fun to try. I’ll work with it some more. I think if you can find words that have many rhyming words, it’s easier. <3
I have never heard of a Diatelle poem. I continue to learn and learn and learn!
It was a new form for me as well. It’s definitely a challenge. 🥰
Beautiful, Colleen. It’s quite a difficult form, but you’ve mastered it! Spring, I love it! 💗 Thank you for pushing us forward to try something new.
Aww thank you, Gwen. I have to push through the uncomfortable too! 🤣❤️
I loooove this poem Colleen. I don’t use too much rhyme but I always find a rhythm and one or two rhymes.
I just feel like if poetry had four cornerstones, rhyme is definitely one of them.
I sometimes wonder why quite a number of people here don’t like it, even you at times Colleen 😅
A bit of it here and there is so classically refreshing.
And in rhyme forms, totally justifiable like this diatelle.
I like that you didn’t just rhyme for the sake. It still carried depth❤️
Thanks, Jude. Rhyming poetry has never been my thing. It always feel contrived to me. I also find the rhyming words limit the meaning. Japanese poetry has always spoken to me. When written correctly, the message is much more subtle. But, some poets like you, have mastered the end rhyme. Your poetry never sounds forced to me. So, write on, my friend! If rhyming works for you that’s fabulous. I’ll have a few more optional forms for you to choose from. ❤️❤️❤️
Yeah, I understand. I did like seeing this, outside your comfort zone once in a while.
I liked it😃🌷
Exactly! Stepping out of our comfort zone requires us to think differently. I’ll find some other rhyming forms to challenge you with. 😀
This is beautiful. I agree being constrained to rhyming in this form is aggravating.
Oh yeah! It still sounds a bit contrived to me. I found it difficult to keep it flowing. LOL! 😀
RhymeZone is my friend.
LOL! You know it! 🤣
And thank you for introducing it to me/us.
You’re welcome. ❤️
An interesting and challenging form, Colleen, and you mastered it, IMO! ❤️I love the form and must give it a try!
Whew! It was hard to find the right words that rhymed. LOL! Thanks so much, Franci. Have fun with it! <3
😊
Well done rhyming too Sis. Hopeful. <3
Spring is the season of rebirth. We all need a bit of that hope right now. ❤️
Amen! <3
❤️❤️❤️
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Wonderful Colleen.. definitely one to go away and practice with…a challenge to work in the syllables and rhymes…lovely..x♥
Thanks, Sally. Definitely a challenge with those end rhyming words. 🤦🏼♀️
Beautiful, sis. <3
It may be a hard form… but you made it look easy.
We are just at 32 F at the moment. Though spring is showing signs of arriving…
🌻🌼🌷🥀🍀
We’re 45 F this morning! I’m going for a walk. 🤣❤️
This is beautiful Colleen. Love it. x
Thanks, Marje. It was a doozy to write. LOL! I think the rhyming is too restrictive! <3
You did a great job, Colleen. <3
Aww, thank you, Sis. ❤️
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Thanks for sharing! I love your journey. 😍❤️
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Rhymes are not great all the time
But, sometimes, those rhymes are just fine
I write something good
(Or wish that I could)
At least I can say it’s all mine
Rock on, poetess! <3
LOL! Sarah, that’s exactly how I feel! 🤣 Wow! Those rhymes are controlling!
It’s all good. 🙂 Those rhymes are just fine. They can be a bit controlling, though, I agree. Hee…
For sure! I still love my Japanese poetry best! 🤣😍
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Rhymes can be challenging but can be such fun when they work out. 🙂. Loved how yours turned out.
Pat
Aww, thanks Pat. It just seemed so forced. Maybe if I work with them more. 🤦🏼♀️🤣❤️
🙂
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A wonderful poem, Colleen! The result is so amazing, but the metrics remember me on math lessons. 😉 To get something like that done, I need more than just divine inspiration! Lol Have a beautiful weekend! Michael
Thanks for the lovely comments. Those rhyming words are hard to find, Michael. This is a tough form to write! 😍❤️
Hi Colleen! Thats true, but with your profession no problem. Thank you for sharing. I have learned another metrics, and hope sometimes i will remember for a longer time. Enjoy your weekend! Michael
Thanks so much, Michael. ❤️
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