Poetic Techniques

Rhyme Schemes And Patterns In

Poetry

 Rhyming poems are determined by the

ending words of the lines. Not all poems follow
a rhyme scheme, but for those that do, there
are different patterns each stanza follows.

Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/p
oem/article-rhyme-schemes
Rhyme Schemes In Poetry

 While not all poems rhyme, some follow a certain rhyming

scheme, adding to the rhythm of the poem. The last word
of each line is what we look at when discussing a rhyme
scheme.
 Rhyming words are words that have the same ending
sound (from the last vowel sound through the end of the
word). It's important to listen to the sound of the words and
not just look at the spelling; there are many words that
have a similar spelling but do not have the same sound.
 For example, "do" and "go" look like they should rhyme, but they don't. The
same goes for "lost" and "post."
 It goes the other way as well. There are words that do not look like rhyming
words because of different spellings, but they do rhyme.
 Some examples include:
 "blue" and "through“
 "true" and "you"
 "said" and "red"
Reading aloud a poem helps you hear
the rhyming words. …

 Letters
are used to denote the rhyming
scheme in a stanza. Each time the
rhyme changes, another letter is
introduced.
 For example, if the following words were the ending
of lines in a poem, the rhyming scheme would be
ABAB.
 ...sat
 ...cap
 ....mat
 ....lap
 "Sat"and "mat" rhyme, so the same letter is
used (A). "Cap" and "lap" rhyme, so the same
letter is used (B). Since "sat" does not rhyme
with "cap," they cannot share the same letter.
Each time a new rhyme set is introduced, a
new letter must be used.
Take a look at these
variations in rhyme
scheme….
AABB

 Many poems that follow the AABB pattern

are broken into quatrains, which are four
line stanzas, where the first and second
lines rhyme and the third and fourth lines
rhyme.

 Examine the following example…

Missing You

My eyes fill up in tears,

as I miss you through the years,
I lie in bed at night,
as I think of this scary fright.

I love you with all my heart,

I wish we wouldn't have to be apart,
I keep thinking that this can't be real,
I wish you only knew how I feel.

Tears roll down my face,

To see you in such a happy place,
I hope we will meet again someday,
So the pain inside me will wash away.
 Never Stop Being You
byTerrie Brushette
Never stop caring about the little things in life.
Never stop dreaming, and don't give into strife.
Never stop wondering are we on our own.
Never stop thinking has your spirituality grown.
Never stop building bridges that lead to better
tomorrows.
Never stop trying, and don't give into sorrow.
Never stop feeling amazed at the beauty that
surrounds you.
Never stop hearing the music, and don't give
into the blues.
Never stop pushing away negative thoughts
that make you feel sad.
Never stop looking at the all the miracles we
have had.
Never stop loving the ones you hold dear.
Never stop giving, and don't give into the fear.
Never stop smiling, but look forward to each
new day.
Never stop shining in your own special way.
Never forget that all storms will clear.
Remember brighter tomorrows are always
near.
ABCB

 In
an ABCB format, the second and
forth lines of the stanza rhyme. The first
and third lines do not rhyme with any
others.
 Friendship: One Of God's Greatest
Gifts
© Lauren Manning
I was the young age of three, It's been fifteen years now,
and oh, so very small. and our friendship's still strong.
I knew almost nothing, I can hardly believe
nothing at all. we've been best friends this long.

When I saw a cute little girl As I went to her that day

shaking with fear, I was the angel to be.
All alone in the corner How could I have known
with her eyes full of tears, that God sent her to me?

I thought to myself, But angels need two wings

I'll go be her friend. if they don't want to sit and just rest,
So I went over to her So God combined both our wings
and touched her sweet little hand. to show us we're blessed.

I said to my new friend, We can't thank him enough

"Do you want to play?" for his gift of kindness and love.
My new friend said, "Yes," We are both each other's angels
and her tears went away. sent from heaven above!
I Wish I Wasn't Alone
Once when I was little
I was happy and carefree.
I used to run around laughing
Until it was time for tea.
I used to play games
And smile all the time.
I used to feel on top of the world
I used to feel fine.
It's amazing how things change
When people let you down.
And how that once happy face
Turns into a solemn frown.
You search and search
For someone who cares,
Anyone who understands,
Anyone who dares.
Loneliness, it hurts.
It kills you deep inside.
It makes you feel empty.
It stops you in your stride.
You cry yourself to sleep,
Hugging your pillow tight,
Wishing for someone
To hold you through the night.
Once when I was little
I was happy and carefree.
Now my life's full of sadness,
Pain and misery.
Once when I was little
I was never on my own.
But now I pray at night
"I wish I wasn't alone."
ABAB

 Inan ABAB format, the rhyming

alternates lines. The first and third
rhyme with each other, and the
second and fourth rhyme.
Healing Love
© Jocelyn S. Ongdico

Oh Great God, You alone can ease Cast away all my doubts and fears
The pounding of my troubled heart And lift my downcast spirit, Lord
Only with You I am at peace Please let my heart be brought to cheer
For You make all my fears depart By Your comforting love and Word

Comfort me with Your blazing love My body and mind may be frail
And pacify my worried soul But your healing love keeps me strong
Your grace of love from up above Your love will never ever fail
Is healing love that makes me whole So to me, nothing will go wrong