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Home Epigrams and Proverbs

Poetry Challenge: Equilateral Proverbs

February 7, 2023
in Epigrams and Proverbs, Poetry, Poetry Challenge, Poetry Contests
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poetry/tweedie/equal

Equilateral Proverbs: A Poetry Challenge

by James A. Tweedie

Construct a rhyming, rhythmic intelligible proverb or saying where the first and last words in each line rhyme. Twin couplets are preferred but not required. My examples alternate trochaic tetrameters and pentameters, but any form is acceptable so long as it is consistent. And if you can’t think up a proverb, then any poem on any subject will be fine, so long as each line begins and ends with the same rhyme. Post and share your inspired “Equilaterals” in the comments section.

.

White the day and black the night.
Light reveals and darkness veils from sight.

.

Died to sin? Or sin denied?
Pride denied may lead to deicide.

.

Bury what is dead or scary.
Marry what is extraordinary.

.

Thirst is rare when one’s submersed.
First and last determines best and worst.

.

Yin and Yang are kith and kin.
In the end is not where we begin.

.

Glitz and glitter—opposites.
It’s the pits to be in the obits.

.

Post yours in the comments below.

.

.

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Comments 66

  1. Larry Coltin says:
    3 years ago

    Sense’s used to to perceive a world shrouded in darkness,
    Can be tuned to reveal a plethora of wondrous insights.

    Reply
  2. Milan says:
    3 years ago

    Sunshine is for all, and more than only mine.
    Wine is sacred love; which makes our hearts to shine.

    Reply
  3. Russell Jacklin says:
    3 years ago

    Lust is an emotional craving we all acquire
    Desire is an expressed and expected must

    Reply
  4. Norma Pain says:
    3 years ago

    Must you only stare at me with lust?
    Just love is the only thing I trust.
    Where does love hide, now so rare?
    Share love with me if you still care.

    Reply
    • Russell Jacklin says:
      3 years ago

      Beautiful, I need to practice to reach this level

      Reply
  5. Joseph S. Salemi says:
    3 years ago

    Swive the woman whom you wive —
    Sex is in the marriage specs.

    Reply
  6. Gigi Ryan says:
    3 years ago

    Chase your fears to fears erase;
    Brace yourself and terrors face.

    Fame and wealth are worldly gain;
    Aim ye for an honest name.

    Gold and silver can be bought and sold;
    Old one’s wisdom has a price untold.

    Rare the table graced with love and care;
    Fare is second to that joyful air.

    Wild the temper of the foolish child;
    Mild the nature of him undefiled.

    Choke out sense, the wise provoke;
    Soak the world with all that’s woke.

    Reply
    • Evan Mantyk says:
      3 years ago

      Gigi, I especially liked the second couplet even though the rhyme is imperfect and the last one, though I might put quotation marks around wise to emphasize the irony of how the word is used now. The third couplet could be quite good but sounds awkward to me in the second line. Perhaps “Older wisdom…” At any rate, welcome to the Society!

      Reply
      • Gigi Ryan says:
        3 years ago

        Evan,
        I appreciate the feedback and helpful suggestions. Thank you!
        Gigi

        Reply
  7. Patrick Murtha says:
    3 years ago

    The things we often teach
    Are well beyond our reach;
    And those within our clutch
    We hardly reach or touch.

    Reply
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