Sestina Poems A sestina is a highly structured poem

Oleh loneybs August 12, 2023 Post a Comment

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What is a Sestina?
How to Write a Sestina
Examples of Sestinas
Tips for Writing a Sestina
Common Mistakes When Writing a Sestina

What is a Sestina?

A sestina is a highly structured poem form that consists of six six-line stanzas and a three-line concluding stanza called an envoi. The same six end-words are repeated throughout the poem, with each stanza ending with a different one of the six words. In the envoi, three of the words are used in each line.

The sestina originated in medieval France and was popularized by the Italian poet Petrarch in the 14th century. It has since been used by many poets in different languages, including English.

How to Write a Sestina

Writing a sestina can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are the steps to follow:

Choose your six end-words. These words will be repeated throughout the poem in a specific order. Choose words that are versatile and can be used in different contexts.
Write the first stanza. This stanza will establish the order of the end-words. The first line will end with the first end-word, the second line with the second end-word, and so on. The sixth line will end with the sixth end-word.
Write the remaining five stanzas. Each stanza will follow the same end-word order as the first stanza. The second stanza will end with the second end-word, the third with the third end-word, and so on. The sixth stanza will end with the first end-word.
Write the envoi. The envoi is a three-line stanza that uses two end-words per line. The first line will use the first and second end-words, the second line will use the third and fourth end-words, and the third line will use the fifth and sixth end-words.
Edit and revise your poem. Make sure the end-words are used in different contexts and that the poem flows smoothly.

Examples of Sestinas

Many famous poets have written sestinas, including Elizabeth Bishop, W. H. Auden, and Ezra Pound. Here is an example of a sestina by Bishop:

Sestina by Elizabeth Bishop

Baca Juga

 September rain falls on the house. In the failing light, the old grandmother sits in the kitchen with the child beside the Little Marvel Stove, reading the jokes from the almanac, laughing and talking to hide her tears.

The end-words in this sestina are: house, grandmother, child, stove, almanac, and tears. Bishop uses these words in different contexts throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and coherence.

Tips for Writing a Sestina

Here are some tips to help you write a successful sestina:

Choose end-words that are versatile and can be used in different contexts.
Try to use the end-words in unexpected ways to keep the poem interesting.
Pay attention to the sound of the poem. The repetition of the end-words can create a musical effect.
Use enjambment (when a sentence or phrase runs over into the next line) to create a sense of continuity and flow.
Don't be afraid to experiment with the form. You can break the rules of the sestina to create a new and interesting poem.

Common Mistakes When Writing a Sestina

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a sestina:

Using end-words that are too similar or too difficult to use in different contexts.
Repeating the same sentence structure in each stanza, which can make the poem feel repetitive.
Forgetting to use enjambment to create flow and continuity.
Not revising the poem enough to ensure that it flows smoothly and that the end-words are used effectively.

Conclusion

Writing a sestina can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined above and keeping in mind the tips and common mistakes, you can create a successful sestina that showcases your creativity and mastery of the form.

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