Poetic Forms: The Monchielle

The Monchielle poem was developed and described by Norwegian poet Jim T. Henriksen. This form consists of four quintains (five-line stanzas) in which the first line in each stanza are refrains. All lines are six syllables in length in any meter, though usually iambic or trochaic trimeter (see "Meter") is preferred. Lines three and five in each stanza rhyme while lines one, two and four do not.

The Monchielle's theme is not restricted, nor is its title.

Example:

Behold the Hawk

The hawk surveys the grounds
with keen and focused eyes,
no movement will escape
attention; none will taunt
this feared and stoic shape.

The hawk surveys the grounds,
his kingdom, from the trees,
majestic wings await
a mouse or smaller bird
oblivious to fate.

The hawk surveys the grounds
as afternoon declines
the ravens' calls begin
a frantic chorus line,
his brothers closing in.

The hawk surveys the grounds,
his nest and mate nearby,
well past the harvest moon,
there is no time to waste
with winter coming soon.