[n] the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
A Quatern is a sixteen line French form composed of four quatrains. It is similar to the Kyrielle and the Retourne. It has a refrain that is in a different place in each quatrain. The first line of stanza one is the second line of stanza two, third line of stanza three, and fouth line of stanza four. A quatern has eight syllables per line. It does not have to be iambic or follow a set rhyme scheme.
line 1
line 2
line 3
line 4
line 5
line 6 (line 1)
line 7
line 8
line 9
line 10
line 11 (line 1)
line 12
line 13
line 14
line 15
line 16 (line 1)
Example
A Withered Leaf
A withered leaf falls to the ground.
In contemplation I'm aware
that much of history will astound
us when we realise what we share.
I look at sights that seem the same,
a withered leaf falls to the ground.
Ancestral souls that share our name
resurface. In our traits they're found.
A glance, a look can be renowned
as features of our family line.
A withered leaf falls to the ground
and I relate because it's mine.
As part of one big family tree
we share our roots. They're tightly bound.
When new life grows from you and me
a withered leaf falls to the ground.
Synonyms
4, four, foursome, IV, Little Joe, quadruplet, quartet, quaternary, quaternion, quaternity, tetrad