Lai

The lai is a lyric poem which flourished in medieval France. It is composed of three-line units containing 5, 5, 2 syllables respectively. Lines 1 and 2 rhyme with each other and with similarly placed lines in the next unit, while line 3 rhymes only with the short line in the next unit. Stanzas may be of any length provided that each unit within it follows the rhyme scheme.

A Lai

In writing this verse,
The wording is terse,
And yet
I would be averse
To shun it, or worse,
Forget.

Unit of three lines
Syllables assigns
To each...
Five, five, two designs
In that way aligns
Its reach.

Classical Lais

A Saturnalian Lai

December is here...
Saturn's feast draws near,
And so
Let's be of good cheer
At this time of year.
Cry "Io!"

Masters trade places;
Slaves' happy faces
Bear grins.
Dice box rolls aces;
Children run races.
Who wins?

Lord of Misrule reigns,
Source of fun and games
For all.
Candles flicker flames;
Greenery soon frames
The hall.

Gifts are sent to friends,
Each of whom attends
Repast.
Merriment suspends;
Season wanes and ends
At last.

example 2

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