Q&A for How to Write a Sestina

There are no length requirements. Just try to keep the lines close to the same length, and use line breaks to your advantage.

Yes, poetry can be about anything!

A sestina should not rhyme. You'll need to select 6 words which should not rhyme. However, you can internally make a rhyme in a sentence. That is fine and acceptable.

Any sestina in which the pattern is broken somehow. The end words may not be put in the correct lines, or may sometimes be omitted, or may be put in the middle of the line instead of the end - anything that breaks the rules. A pentina may also incorrectly be called a broken sestina.

The first sestinas are attributed to Arnaut Daniel, who wrote in the Occitan language in the 12th century.

A sestina does not have to follow a specific meter, but it often adheres to a formal poetic structure. The defining characteristic of a sestina is its intricate pattern of word repetition rather than a specific meter. A sestina consists of six stanzas, each with six lines, followed by a three-line envoi or tornada. The end words of the first stanza's lines are repeated in a specific order in the subsequent stanzas: ABCDEF FAEBDC CFDABE ECBFAD DEACFB BDFECA. The envoi typically includes all six of these end words, often placed in the middle and at the end of the lines. While a sestina can be written in any meter, many poets choose iambic pentameter because it provides a familiar and rhythmic structure that can complement the complex pattern of word repetition. However, the choice of meter can vary based on the poet's preference and the poem's thematic needs.

Yes, a poem can use an ABA rhyme scheme as it is a form of artistic expression.

You don't need iambic pentameter for a sestina. The form has no set rhyme or meter, so the lines can vary in length and stress. However, some poets use iambic pentameter or other meters in their sestinas to make them more rhythmic and melodic. For example, Algernon Charles Swinburne's sestina "The Complaint of Lisa" uses iambic pentameter lines.

You can start with a theme, like loyalty or protection, and build around six repeating words related to dogs, such as 'canine,' 'superheroes,' 'protect,' 'memories,' 'criminals,' and 'predators.'

To create a "high note" in your sestina, build tension and emotional depth through the stanzas, allowing the repetition of the end words to evolve in meaning and intensity. Use the envoi to deliver the climax, resolving the themes and emotions developed throughout. Intensify your language and imagery as you approach the high note, perhaps by introducing a shift in tone or perspective in the fifth or sixth stanza, and using contrasts or juxtapositions to amplify the emotional impact. By carefully crafting the narrative and positioning key words, you can achieve a poignant and powerful conclusion that resonates deeply with the reader.