Definition
A Tetractys is a type of poem that has only five lines to it. This makes it an extremely short poem. It is quite easy to write. You simply have to follow a structure. The premier phrase has only one syllable. The next stanza has two syllables. The following part has three syllables and the next has four. So far this structure is simple to remember because A person simply matches the amount of syllables to the number. Five is harder to recall because it has ten syllables. However, just remember that two times five equals ten.
Tetractys, a poetic form consisting of at least 5 lines of 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 syllables (total of 20). Tetractys can be written with more than one verse, but must follow suit with an inverted syllable count. Tetractys can also be reversed and written 10, 4, 3, 2, 1. Double Tetractys maybe written as: 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 10, 4, 3, 2, 1, and a Triple Tetractys as: 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 10, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10.
Example
Snowflakes
White
snowflakes
crystal clear
sparkling loftily
daybreaks light shines forth the brilliance
As daybreaks light dusks the hillcrest ledge edge
sunshine melts around
clear glitter
snowflakes
white
Peggy Bertrand
Copyright 02-18-2002