Triolet Poetry Form

The Triolet is a medieval French form, thought to have originated in thirteenth-century France. Pronounced TREE-o-LAY, the Triolet is a single stanza of eight lines. It has a repetitive rhyme scheme of ABaAabAB – the capital letters represent lines that are repeated word-for-word. Thus, the first, fourth, and seventh lines are the same, and the second and last line are the same.

In the 17th century it was used as a vehicle for propaganda and character assassination during French civil uprisings. In the late 17th century and early 18th century they began to appear in English. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it began appearing in Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, and many other European languages. Still in all, the Triolet was never a commonplace poem, although it does seem to be growing in popularity in the 21st century.

Schematic:

A – first line
B – second line
a – rhymes with 1st line
A – same as 1st line
a – rhymes with 1st line
b – rhymes with 2nd line
A – same as 1st line
B – same as 2nd line


At first glance it seems like a really easy form. After all, technically you only have to write five out of eight lines, but it’s a little tricky getting those lines to make sense.


TRUTH
I look into your eyes
and you show me the truth
but can this be wise?
I look into your eyes
and search for the lies
though you’ve given me proof.
I look into your eyes
and you show me the truth.


LOVE
A love must be pure to live for forever
such as the one between you and I,
a love incorrupt that nothing can sever
a love must be pure to live for forever,
a goal to be sought, life’s greatest endeavor
a challenge to pass, the gods to defy.
A love must be pure to live for forever
such as the one between you and I.