Poetry Dances

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Nonet

A nonet is a nine-line poem where the first line has nine syllables, the next has eight, and so on — decreasing by one syllable each time until the last line, which has just one. You can write about any subject, and rhyming is optional.

Structure:

Line 1:	9 syllables
Line 2:	8 syllables
Line 3:	7 syllables
Line 4:	6 syllables
Line 5:	5 syllables
Line 6:	4 syllables
Line 7:	3 syllables
Line 8:	2 syllables
Line 9:	1 syllable

This form gives a feeling of movement — the lines shorten as the poem goes on, like a quiet fade at the end of a song.

Example

The Child in Me

When I see beauty all around me (9 syllables)
When everyone's sweet and gentle (8 syllables)
When my heart is full of joy (7 syllables)
When love's blooming inside (6 syllables)
I know she is there (5 syllables)
The child in me (4 syllables)
Genuine (3 syllables)
Simple (2 syllables)
Pure (1 syllable)

- written by Belinda

A nonet focuses on syllable count, not word count. That gives poets plenty of freedom to explore ideas while keeping a balanced rhythm.

More Examples

A New Path

I have traveled countless paths in life
tried everything there is to try
searching for my destiny
wondering what's in store
then you came along
pulled me with you
a new path
two souls
bound

- written by Gabriella 2

Nor'easter Nicks Nine

Nine nervous New England novelists
Embarked on small skiff for England
Seven survived sudden squalls
Six suffered sea sickness
Five fought, and fell in
Four froze to death
Three threw up
Drowning
One

- written by starkat

Create your own nonet or share your poem with others on FanStory. You can also view the current poetry contests.