Happy April! Welcome to the Carrot Ranch Double Ennead Monthly Poetry Challenge. As a guest of the Saddle Up Saloon, every third Monday of the month, I’ll be here with another challenge to help get your poetic juices flowing. Each month, we will explore a different theme or image to inspire our poetry. Take your time, there’s no hurry! You have an entire month to write your poem. No blog? Don’t worry. Add your poem in the comments below.
Check out the poems from last month HERE
The word Ennead means nine, and a double nine is ninety-nine! Carrot Ranch is famous for 99-word flash fiction. Now, the ranch has its own syllabic poetry form written in 99 syllables!
The Double Ennead comprises five lines with a syllable count of 6/5/11/6/5, (33 SYLLABLES per stanza) 3 STANZAS EACH = 99 SYLLABLES, NO MORE, NO LESS! Punctuation and rhyme schemes are optional and up to the poet.
This month, let’s explore end rhyme schemes in our double Ennead poems.
First, let’s learn more about end rhyme schemes. Here is a quick definition:
A rhyme scheme is the pattern of sound found at the end of lines. These rhyme schemes are given a letter, usually beginning with the letter A.
A four-line poem with a rhyme scheme is something like this:
The first line rhymes with the third line, and the second line rhymes with the fourth line. The rhyme scheme is ABAB.
Roses are red, violets are blue, Shakespeare is dead? I had no clue.
Let’s use the simple Abhanga syllabic form as an example. The Abhanga is written in any number of four-line verses. The syllable count is 6-6-6-4 per stanza.
In this form, only L2 and L3 rhyme. Often, the letter x, is used to denote an unrhymed end word. This rhyme scheme is:
xaax, x = unrhymed. (Lower case letters only show the rhyming pattern).
magic is found within breathe deep into your core open your heart and soar find inner peace ©2021 Colleen M. Chesebro
We use rhymes in many poetry forms. Rhymes aren’t always used in patterns or at the end of lines, which means not all rhyming poetry has a rhyme scheme.
We only use rhyme schemes for poems that use end rhyme—which is rhymes at the end of lines.
A rhyme is a repetition of sounds, usually the same sound, in the final stressed syllables of two or more words. Poets use rhyming for artistic effect. It makes our poetry more interesting. I enjoy the challenge of mixing syllabic poetry with end rhymes… it’s like solving a word puzzle.
Litcharts.com has an excellent discussion of end rhyme schemes you can read HERE.
For this month’s challenge, write a double ennead poem using an end rhyme scheme of your choice. You can select the theme that inspires you.
If end rhyme schemes aren’t your thing, write your double ennead based on a magical experience… OR do both! I did!
Always check your syllables with a syllable counter when composing and writing syllabic poetry. The pronunciation of words is very important to conveying a meaning in your poems. You can use sodacoffee.com as a syllable counter. There is also howmanysyllables.com, which is my favorite because you get access to synonyms as you’re composing.
My Example:
I’m a visual person, so I found some inspiration on Pixabay.com.
The rhyme scheme in each stanza (or couplet) is xxaax, x = unrhymed, only L3 and L4 rhyme in each stanza.
“The Cherry Orchard”
down the path from the farm the cherry orchard ablaze in shades of mauve... glows under the moon, while pink katydids’ croon anthems to the stars break of day streaks the sky birdsong welcomes light dew-kissed grasses bend in the delicate breeze wildflowers hail the bees morning glory dawn magic blooms in rebirth, blush buds share secrets life unfolds in cycles and seasons repeat ancient helix complete life in the orchard ©2021 Colleen M. Chesebro
- Write a double ennead poem using an end rhyme scheme of your choice. You can select a theme that inspires you. If end rhyme schemes aren’t your thing, write your double ennead based on a magical experience—or do both!
- Post it on your blog. If you don’t have a blog, copy and paste your poem into the comments below.
- Include a link back to this challenge in your post. (copy the HTTPS:// address of this post into your post).
- Read and comment on your fellow poet’s work. Feedback from other poets is how we grow our poetry writing craft.
- Like and leave a comment below if you choose to do so.
- I’ll visit, comment, and share your poetry on social media! I’ll share a roundup of all of your poetry on colleenchesebro.com the Saturday before the next month’s Double Ennead challenge.
Now have fun and write some magical poetry!
Hi Colleen, thank you for this lovely post. I must give this a go. I am trying to write more poetry.
Thanks Robbie… It’s actually a fun form. The 11 syllable line in each stanza gives you extra room for creativity. I look forward to seeing your poem. <3
Thank you, Colleen.
Reblogged this on Love and Love Alone.
Thank you so for much, sharing. Much appreciated. <3
Reblogged this on Colleen M. Chesebro and commented:
The April 2021 Double Ennead challenge is up at Carrot Ranch! Join in and have some fun writing syllabic poetry.
Great lesson in end rhyme schemes and building up to an ennead. Love The Cherry Blossom example.
Thanks, Charli. It’s fun to explore the creativity in this 99 syllable form. I like the bit of rhyming. It adds to the magic. ❤️
hiya… the link in this part doesn’t go to where I was expecting. “Litcharts.com has an excellent discussion of end rhyme schemes you can read here.”
I wonder why? I added it. 🤦🏼♀️ Ok. I’ll fix this in the morning. Thanks for letting me know.
I was able to reconnect the link. It works now, Ruth. <3
Love your poem, Colleen. What a great challenge – so much flexibility in the way to respond.
Thanks, Norah. I Flexibility and creativity are part of writing poetry. It should be fun. Magic is everywhere. ❤️
Indeed it is. 🙂
Oooooh… a new poetry form to try… I am SOOO in!
Excellent! Have fun! ❤️
Reblogged this on Thoughts by Mello-Elo.
Thanks so much for sharing, Eloise. ❤️
My pleasure Colleen. Once I have more time on my hands, I will definitely participate again. It’s great fun!
Thank you. I enjoy this form. That 11-syllable line really gives us room for creativity in each stanza. ❤️
Pingback @ https://indishe.wordpress.com/2021/04/21/napowrimo-2021saddle-up-saloon-colleens-double-ennead-challenge-no-3/
[…] CR Saddle Up Salloon Colleen’s Double Ennead #3 For this month’s challenge, write a double ennead poem using an end rhyme scheme of your choice. You can select the theme that inspires you. // If end rhyme schemes aren’t your thing, write your double ennead based on a magical experience… OR do both! I did! The rhyme scheme in each stanza (or couplet) is xxaax, x = unrhymed, only L3 and L4 rhyme in each stanza. […]
Hi, Colleen,
Here a playful little ditty;
Animal Magnetism?
The neighbor’s dogs are not
The problem, though they
Pause, and bark; the boundary, they do not cross
The cat thinks he’s the boss
Of all that he sees
Twice the orange cat
Within the last two days,
Has left personal ‘presents’ of his presence
I return this ‘essence’
Of claim on my space
Once he offered a mouse;
A gift, not quite dead
Where did he find the little pure white creature?
Cat face, a smug feature,
Now he flees from me!
©JP/dh
This is fabulous, Jules! We don’t have a fence in our backyard yet and the neighbor dogs leave me presents! I like the end rhymes. It was like solving a word puzzle to write this double ennead, wasn’t it? 😍❤️
The same neighbors dogs… attempted to cross the gully, but I sort of let them know that wasn’t acceptable. In not so many words and then built up a little berm so it wasn’t as easy to negotiate that area. Thankfully they seem to always have someone out when the dogs are out. They used to have two cats, but I haven’t seen the second one (though that one may not have been theirs?). In our area – if you don’t have a fenced in yard any animal you own dog, cat, ferret … is supposed to be on a leash. At least most folks do pick up after their pooches. Some folks have reminder signs!
I’m not a big fan of rhyme (end or other wise) but it wasn’t to hard to play – once I figured where I wanted to go. 😉 You only had to make three couplets and they all could be different.
And that’s why we love our Japanese poetry! 🥰
This was indeed playful and very nicely done, Jules.
I can’t leave poems in my blog so this is it
Comedy Poetry
may contain some pun
Like bears with computers .. hairy reasoners
These things can be fun
But beauty is lost
Beautiful poetry
Has great imagery
The sound of the creek to the rustle of leaves
I am loving the trees
Yawning through verses
Middle ground can be found
Great minds are employed
Laughter and solace filling stanza and verse
Are equally enjoyed
Till green monkeys sing
,,
,,
,,
Laughter is cheaper than Make-up and makes faces prettier
Mr. Ohh, this is brilliant. I love your sense of humor sprinkled in amongst your descriptive verse. That’s great poetry! ❤️
Thanks but does it fit all the rules
[…] double Ennead comprises five lines with a syllable count of 6/5/11/6/5, (33 SYLLABLES per stanza) 3 STANZAS EACH […]
I left the end rhymes up to you. I definitely see magic in this poem… you got me with the green monkeys… and they sing! If you used the syllable counter tool, you’re in there. Plus stars for such great creativity… that’s what this is all about. <3
Colleen, Your poetry is beautiful with an apt image and rhyming is effortless. Please find my poetry contribution for April.
https://call2read.com/2021/04/23/double-ennead-challenge-when-the-night-disappears/
Thanks so much! I’m thrilled you jumped into this challenge. ❤️
Fun – I enjoyed all the verses.
I like walks, but I’m glad not to be in school – these days.
I agree, Jules. School would be difficult in these trying times.
[…] Ennead means 9, so Double Ennead here means double 9 or 99. Here’s an explanation below from Saddle Up Saloon: Colleen’s Double Ennead Challenge No.3 and while there, try the challenge too. The challenge is up for one […]
Hello, Colleen. Came across your challenge on double ennead. Thought I’d give it a try, so here it is.
https://naturewhispering.wordpress.com/2021/04/25/meaning-of-peace/
That’s wonderful, Olivia. Carrot Ranch is a wonderful place. You should check out the flash fiction challenge, as well. <3
Will do, Colleen.
[…] This month we are focussing on an end rhyme scheme. Colleen says: […]
Here’s my submission. I’m not sure I should have told a story, but I did and it’s true! ❤️
http://ruthscribbles.com/2021/04/28/my-take-saddle-up-saloon-colleens-double-ennead-challenge-no-3/
What a magical experience. I love how you captured the magic in your photo! The double ennead is perfect for story poetry. It has a beginning, middle, and ending verse. Well done with your end rhymes, too. <3
[…] post also links to Colleen’s Monthly Double Ennead Challenge #3 – click through on this link, if you’d like to have a join in on this […]
Your move … Here’s mine! https://carrotranch.com/2021/04/19/saddle-up-saloon-colleens-double-ennead-challenge-no-3/
I couldn’t find your link, my friend. Please try again. <3
Oh dear! I’m really not good at this am I? 🤣
https://thehiddenedge.co.uk/2021/05/01/pawn-six-sentence-story-157/
That’s okay. Those links are confusing at first. ❤️
Awesome read
Thank you.
[…] inspired by Colleen’s Monthly Carrot Ranch Double Ennead Challenge #3 Poets Choice. Click through for the rules if you too would like to join in […]
[…] Follow the link to the challenge… […]