Triolet

The triolet is a poetic form that dates to the 13th century in France. It consists of a stanza of eight lines that include two rhymes and two refrains. Its name comes from the fact that the first line of the poem is used three times (lines 1, 4, and 7). The second line is used twice (lines 2 and 8), and the rhyme scheme is ABAA ABAB.

The Triolet

   A triolet is fun to write;
   The form is short and simple, too.
   Two rhymes is all it takes all right;
   A triolet is fun to write...
   Repeating makes the writing light
   And easier to follow through.
   A triolet is fun to write;
   The form is short and simple, too.

Classical Triolets

A Saturnalian Triolet

   It's Saturnalia in Rome.
   These are the best of days for me.
   Work is over and harvest home;
   It's Saturnalia in Rome.
   The time has passed for tilling loam,
   So let's relax and be carefree.
   It's Saturnalia in Rome...
   These are the best of days for me!

example 2

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