Cyrch A Chwta: Poetic Forms

Learn how to write a cyrch a chwta and read an example of this type of poem in this post dedicated the Welsh poetic form that involves end and cross rhymes.
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Wow! So it's been almost two months since the last form I've covered. So let's jump right into today’s form: cyrch a chwta!

Cyrch A Chwta Poems

As you might guess from the name, cyrch a chwta is a Welsh poetic form. And like many Welsh forms, this poem involves both end rhymes and internal (or cross) rhymes. Here are the guidelines:

  • Octave stanza (8-line stanza)
  • 7 syllables per line
  • Lines 1-6 and 8 end rhyme together
  • Line 7 cross rhymes with line 8 (internally) on either syllable 3, 4, or 5

Note: The "a" rhyme appears at least 7 times per stanza, so it should be a strong one with plenty of rhyming options.


The Complete Guide of Poetic Forms

Play with poetic forms!

Poetic forms are fun poetic games, and this digital guide collects more than 100 poetic forms, including more established poetic forms (like sestinas and sonnets) and newer invented forms (like golden shovels and fibs).

Click to continue.


Here’s my attempt at a Cyrch A Chwta Poem:

Viral Videos, by Robert Lee Brewer

We shared popcorn from a bowl
watching people swallowed whole
by enterprising sinkholes--
the earth transformed into trolls
claiming some forgotten toll
performed by a giant mole
or perhaps an ancient snake
that can never break its role.

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