The Septolet
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A Septolet means 'Seven Lines' in French. It is a brevity poem, which means that there is a limit to the amount of words. Each word must be very carefully chosen to write the poem succinctly and well. It is the quality of expressing much in few words.
The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen words in total with a break in between the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought or create a picture. It should have a meaningful juxtaposition between the two stanzas in which the subject compares or contrasts the other and overall creates one scene or thought that go together well. In the example below, there are two different things going on: the lion moving swiftly and the antelope grazing, but they are both part of the same scene, or bigger picture, of which the reader will realize upon completely reading the poem. Notice that each stanza is a sentence within itself.
Example:
Untitled
Lion
moving swiftly
across the plain,
most intent.
Antelope
grazing contently
on his meal.
Copyright © 2003 Crystal Rose
Septolets are usually written in a 4/3 or 3/4 structure for the stanzas.
The Septolet has fourteen words all together, broken up into two stanzas. The two stanzas can have seven words each but that is not a requirement. They are usually written with either the first stanza having 4 lines, and the second, three; or visa versa. You may choose how to do this. Both stanzas deal with the same thought and create a picture overall. They should each involve a smaller scene that is part of a larger one that either compares or contrasts the other. Septolets normally do not rhyme, but may have very subtle alliteration. Please be sure that each stanza is done in one line or sentence broken how you choose, as per the lesson examples.
Example
Heart Song
You play me
like
a violin
One caress,
heartstrings sing
sweet melody
of love
- written by ~Dovey