Rhyme & Reason: The Rhythm of Poetry

Poetry thrives on rhythm, and nothing sets the tone quite like rhyme. Whether it’s playful and bouncy or slow and dramatic, the way words connect at the end of each line can completely shift the feel of a poem. But here’s the fun part—there’s no single way to rhyme. For this week’s writing challenge, we will explore different poetry rhyming schemes.

The Challenge

Write a poem using a specific rhyming pattern. It could be simple and repetitive or intricate and surprising. Your mission is to choose a mood and match your rhyme scheme to it. Playful? Try a tight, punchy structure. Mysterious? Go for something a little unpredictable.

Not sure where to start? That’s part of the fun. Do a little research—there are plenty of poetic forms to explore. Sonnets, ballads, limericks, and free verse all have their own rules (or lack thereof). Find one that speaks to you and dive in.

*** Bonus Challenge: Want to level up? Switch your rhyme scheme partway through your poem to reflect a shift in tone or emotion. Play with contrast—what happens when a playful rhyme suddenly turns serious? Or a steady structure starts to unravel?

A Few Quick Tips for Rhyme & Rhythm

If you’re new to playing with rhyme, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Start simple. A classic AABB or ABAB pattern is a great way to get a feel for rhyme without overcomplicating it.
• Don’t force a rhyme. If it sounds unnatural, it’s okay to tweak the line instead of shoving in a word that doesn’t quite fit.
• Use rhyme to enhance, not distract. Let the meaning of your poem take center stage, and let the rhyme scheme support it—not the other way around.
• Read it out loud. If it flows naturally, you’re on the right track. If it feels clunky, try shifting the words until it sounds smooth.

Examples from My Musings:

ABAB

Happy New Year

The chilly morning dew
as the sun begins to rise.
The rays glisten through,
and light dances across the skies.

The bees all start to wake,
as Phlox petals start to unfold.
A new flight they’ll soon take,
once spring chases out the cold.

The birds are flying back,
with new love songs in the air.
And the critters begin to track,
as they emerge from winter lairs.

New growth is all around,
new life for all to see.
If you listen, you’ll hear the sound
of ‘Happy New Year’ from the trees…

AAA

The Visit – a haiku

Black wings and rainbows
Landing outside your window
‘Ca-Caw!’ Are you home?

Share Your Work!

Once you’ve crafted your poem, don’t let it collect dust! Share it with friends, post it in a writing group, or drop it in the comments below! There’s something magical about seeing how different poets interpret the same challenge.

And if you want more in-depth guidance, exclusive writing discussions, and deeper dives into poetic technique, be sure to subscribe to Musings from the Murder! Every week, we explore the craft of poetry, break down techniques, and offer prompts to push your creativity even further.

Now, grab your pen (or keyboard) and start rhyming—let’s see where this takes you!