Poetry Dances

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Rictameter

A rictameter is a poem with nine lines that follow a set syllable pattern. The first line starts short, then each line grows longer until the middle of the poem, and then it becomes shorter again — ending with the same line you began with.

The pattern of syllables goes like this:

Line 1:	2 syllables
Line 2:	4 syllables
Line 3:	6 syllables
Line 4:	8 syllables
Line 5:	10 syllables
Line 6:	8 syllables
Line 7:	6 syllables
Line 8:	4 syllables
Line 9:	2 syllables — same as Line 1

Example

Reviews

Reviews (two syllables)
Strive to improve (four syllables)
Through graceful acceptance (six syllables)
Of constructive criticism (eight syllables)
Each one binding us closer together (ten syllables)
By shared exchange of unique thoughts (eight syllables)
Shining stars enlighten (six syllables)
A writer's path (four syllables)
Reviews (two syllables - line repeated)

- written by ~Dovey

A rictameter’s mirrored structure gives it a sense of balance. It’s great for poems about reflection, change, or growth, because it circles back to where it began.

Discover more poetry types and share your own rictameter on FanStory.