Poetry and Creative Writing for All

Kyrielle

The kyrielle is a medieval French form whose name is derived from a part of the church liturgy, the kyrie eleision, which is characterised by frequent repetition, as in a refrain, of the sentence 'Lord, have mercy upon us'. The kyrielle is written in couplets that are often paired in quatrain; this refrain may be composed of as little as a single word or as much as a whole line. As is normal for French poetic forms it is syllabic, usually eight syllables (see the example below). The poem rhymes a-A, a-A, etc, if it is in couplets, or a-a-b-B, c-c-b-B, etc, if in quatrains. The latter may also be rhymed a-b-a-B, c-b-c-B, etc.
 

Thomas Campion, 1567 -1620 

The words to many hymns are in this rather simple form, though it is by no means confined to religious poetry. The kyrielle structure is hugely adaptable with the versatility of the refrain line and the freedom change the direction of the thoughts conveyed. With a little practice this form is an excellent addition to your poetic craft.

Submission Guidelines: The address to send your kyrielle(s) to is: Kyrielle, Forward Press Ltd, Remus House, Woodston, Peterborough PE2 9JX
Please remember to write your name and address on each piece of work you send.

Alternatively, you can email us your poems: inbox@forwardpress.co.uk (Please include your name and postal address.)

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