The Sestina: Six Steps Forward, Six Steps Somewhere Else Entirely

Good morning! 

Are you ready to learn about a new, awesome form based on repeating words?!

Good, 'cause it's SESTINA TIME.

So, yes, the Sestina is an awesome form because it is composed of six stanzas of six lines each that all end in the same words every time. Alas, if only it were really that simple. The Sestina is a wee bit more complicated than that, because it has different rotations of those six words---so your word choices need to be pretty versatile. It gets more complicated: there's an envoi, or a three line closer at the end---and you have to use all your repeated words in those three lines, too.

Like the Pantoum, this form is based on repetition to create a backwards and forwards came with meaning. Unlike the Pantoum, the Sestina is capable of taking six steps forward, six steps backwards, and then six steps off a cliff and into the deep end. 

BUT WAIT, BEFORE YOU PANIC.....

via makeameme.org

So why the hell should you write a Sestina?

Phew, I'm glad you asked. Or maybe you already ran for the hills and I'm just typing to myself....either way, let's chat about why Sestinas are cool before we get into the nuts and bolts.

Three Reasons To Write A Sestina:

via memekid.com

1. They sound AWESOME. Instead of rhyme, your repetition is what takes on the music, and it's really cool to hear. When I wrote my first one, I read it aloud like 10 times. 

2. They help you practice your non-rhymed musicality. Which is pretty important, because if you make it too rhymed or too alliterative, it just sounds sing-songy and becomes a mouthful (as is the case with most poems, actually). Balance is good for anyone to practice!

3. They illustrate the diversity of words. Again, another really important thing to think about. Sometimes we get to looking at words as linear, fixed points in poems, when really they're fluid and nuanced depending on the context. Get to work blurring lines, being creative, and finding new uses for words you dig.

via thuggums.tumblr.com

OK, now that you're maybe a teensy bit interested in writing one....on to to:

The Nuts and Bolts:

A few tips and tricks:

1. When you're choosing words, keep in mind that you'll have to use this word 7 times all together, and that seventh time is a doozy because it might not necessarily be an end-stopped line. So even though a word may look and sound really cool, if it's not versatile, I'd steer clear of it. You can always use in within the lines. Some good ideas would be words that can swing between verb, noun, and/or adjective. 

2. Remember: you can always enjamb your lines! In fact, definitely try to do this---it's less forced at times and it keeps the poem moving. Throwing in some end-stopped lines always makes things interesting, though!

3. There are variations of this form. Which isn't too shocking since it's quite a large poem once you're done with it. Some people have chosen only three words, others have chosen to rhyme all six of their words, and others still have done away with the envoi or changed up the repetition pattern. Basically, don't be afraid to experiment. 

4. Speaking of variations, some poets like to change up their words by using different tenses, forms, and spellings. Try this out if you feel too constrained!

Origins:

Where might such a mammoth, specific form come from, you may ask? Well, according to Poets.org, it was attributed to 12th century troubadours, which means sestinas were originally composed with music in mind. The general theme used to be courtly love, but you'll notice modern Sestinas got away from that pretty quickly.

Examples:

Ready to see the Sestina in action?! I like to read them aloud to myself, and I recommend you do the same for at least one of these bad boys.

via wonderingminstrels.com

via wonderingminstrels.com

Other Sestinas to Read:

1. Ezra Pound's "Sestina: Altaforte"

2. John Ashberry's "Farm Implements and Rutabagas in a Landscape"

3. Rudyard Kipling's "Sestina of the Tramp-Royal"

4. Dante Alighieri's "Sestina of the Lady Pietra degli Scrovigni"

Six-Word Combinations To Try:

1. Too, Song, Try, Won, Die, Hard

2. Come, House, See, We, All, Done

3. World, Stone, Part, Wild, Be, Sound

Remember: the modern sestinas give you a little more freedom. You can use different tenses, version of the word, etc, as long as the essential sound is still the same.

That pretty much sums up the Sestina! Give it a whirl, you may surprise yourself and find something you like. Remember: even if you don't like the whole poem, you can harvest your best moments and turn it into something else. So, trying new forms is never a waste of time. 

Happy writing!