Hex Sonnata

The HexSonnetta, created by Andrea Dietrich, 

consists of two six-line stanzas and a finishing rhyming 

couplet with the following set of rules:

Meter: Iambic Trimeter 

Rhyme Scheme: a/bb/aa/b c/dd/cc/d ee 

Iambic Trimeter means the usual iambic (alternating unstressed/stressed)

 meter for every line of the poem, but instead of the ten syllables that 

comprise a typical sonnet's iambic pentameter, this particular form uses 

six syllables of iambic trimeter per line. Thus, the name HexSonnetta. 

The first part of the form’s name refers to the syllable count per line. 

The second part of the name, Sonnetta, is to show this to be a form 

similar to the sonnet, yet with its shorter lines and different rhyme 

scheme, it is not the typical sonnet. Not only does this poem have six 

syllables per line, it also has a set of two six-line stanzas, giving 

an extra “hex” to the meaning of HexSonnetta. 

The rhyme scheme is a bit of a mixture of the two traditional sonnet types, 

with the two 6-line stanzas having more the rhyme scheme of an Italian sonnet, 

but with the ending rhyming couplet being the featured rhyme scheme of the 

English sonnet. The first stanza presents the theme of the poem, with the 

second stanza serving to change the tone of the poem, to introduce a new 

aspect of the theme or to give added details. 

The final couplet, as in an English sonnet, can be either a summary 

(if the theme is simple) or it could be the resolution to a problem 

presented in the theme. In any event, it should nicely tie together 

the whole piece and could even appear as a nice “twist” presented at the end.

Example Poem

Gam-boy No Batteries 

The tramp stamp tattoo's swell

but now it is passé.

This tat's for every day.

It's sure to cast a spell

and start-up jitters, quell.

Just need a pen to play.

You verbal skills may suck.

You may be shy to boot.

The guys will closer scoot.

Keep in your car or truck

a pen for your own luck.

and playing is a hoot!

Put one upon your thighs.

for really studly guys.

© Lawrencealot - May 22, 2012

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