This week’s poetic form is concise: 10 syllables in three lines. The tilus (pronounced “tee-loo-hz”) was invented by Kelvin S. Mangundayao.

Here are the guidelines:

• Two stanzas
• First stanza two lines; second stanza one line
• Six syllables in first line, three syllables in second line, and one syllable for final line
• So 10 syllables total
• Poem should be focused on nature opening up the world for subject

I found an explanation from Kelvin on the nature component on the dVerse site: “The main focus of Tilus is on the world of Nature, and how it can open a new door to a wider understanding of life and beyond. The form aims to be epic in emotions expressed, more importantly, than to be epic in words.” 

Click here to read more.

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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).

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Here’s my attempt at a Tilus Poem:

“coloboma,” by Robert Lee Brewer

night rain puddles reflect
her precious

eye