Chatushka

A Russian Quatrain form. The name derives from the Russian meaning \''to speak fast\''. Covering subject that range across the whole human experience and written in a manner that is usually satirical, ironic or humourous this is the Russian equivalent to theLimerick.

Form Type:           Metrical

Origins:                 Russian

Creator:                Unknown

Number of Lines:  4

Rhyme Scheme:  a,b,a,b or a,b,c,b or a,a,b,b

Meter:                   Trochaic Tetrameter

Rules

1. The form is composed of a single quatrain, though often they are placed together with others in a string, in either case each quatrain is a complete self contained unit.

2. The most common rhyme scheme is a,b,a,b though a,b,c,b is also fairly common. The a,a,b,b rhyme scheme is fairly rare.

3. The form is written using trochaic tetrameter. Though it is common to use catalectic final feet in a line giving a strongly stressed ending.

4. Content wise Chastushkas cover all subjects, though the style is usually satirical, ironic or humourous, tending towards lewd,

5. Traditionally they are recited to music, if they are in a string then there is a musical interlude between them to give the audience time to laugh.

6. Often they are composed on the spur of the moment and used in contests, such Chastushka are highly prized.

Pasted from <http://bensonofjohn.co.uk/poetry/formssearch.php?searchbox=Chastushka> 

Get Back Chicken

Chicken, get back; don’t peck me

For the cleaver in my hand

Just think, could be, soon chopping thee.

Dinner captured, cleaned and panned.

© February 16, 2012

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen

Written for Poetry Soup Member Contest: Chastushka Form-Russian Poetry 

Example Poems

Three Chastushkas

Mabel's clothing at their feet

under chairs and kitchen table.

Freddy focused not on neat,

Freddy merely wanted Mabel.

Scribbled thoughts upon a napkin

Serve as plans of grand intention.

Dreams without an active effort

freeze in idle cold suspension.

Anxious Arabs show misgiving

watching western people living.

letting females speak their voices

countermanding masters choices. 

© Lawrencealot -  January 23, 2013

Visual Template

Actually not one of each, I omitted abab!