Sweet reparation (friendship and love)

Traditional Ballade (one I thought deserves a second look)

       Ballade       

(dancing song)

One of its most famous practitioners was the French poet, François Villon (1431-1463).

There are numerous variations to the Ballade.

Some ballades have five stanzas, and a Ballade Supreme has ten 10-line stanzas and

 a 5-line envoi, each with 10-syllable lines, etc; but the most recognized

and composed-in of the various styles, is the Traditional Ballade.

The “Traditional Ballade” form:

This form is composed of three 8-line stanzas and a 4-line envoi.

Each line is 8-syllables long, with a set rhyme scheme.

Rhyme scheme:

a,b,a,b,b,c,b,C   a,b,a,b,b,c,b,C   a,b,a,b,b,c,b,C   b,c,b,C

(the capital “C” is a repeated rhyme refrain)

It requires 6 “a” rhymes, 14 “b” rhymes, and 8 “C” rhymes.

Author's Note

One selected from the archives:
Enjoy the challenge and skills composing in this form will gift you.

(illustration: "First Love" by Norman Rockwell)

Constructive criticism is always welcome! : )

Reviews

[Hyacinth]

Thanks for posting this, Richard. It's very impressive and I must say I love the language you use!

The way you describe everything captures my mind and soul, u must say. You are definitely a hard gem to come across, my friend.

[Richard🖌]

Goodness, Hyacinth! : )
You do know how to make a bard smile all through, brightening his day … thank you for the lovely praise and inspiration for my little efforts.

You're rather a rare little gem, yourself … most grateful hugs to you! ⁓ Richard

[Hyacinth]

~returns hugs~

[mattavelli]

Hi Richard,
Your ballade is impressive. Your thoughts are insightful, showing us quite a bit of "human nature".
I'm happy to see the form was a challenge for you as well. It took me a while to select the rhyming sounds for my ballade, which I've just posted, titled "Ballade for Denial". Please let me know what you think of it, and thank you for introducing me to this poetic form.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Matt! : )
Your words in review graciously and generously assure me my efforts to compose and share for the pleasure of my readers have not been gone without merit.
No doubt, your Villanelle is a work to be proud of, My Very Talented Friend, and I certainly will be proud to read and review it.

Thanks again, Matt, for blessing this work with your praise and appreciation! ⁓ Richard

[....................]

we pay for the things we do and say in this world and if we do and say bad things then we reap accordingly...however, if we plant kind words and deeds, then what we reap are the rewards of love and friendship...well-said, Richard, in lovely form!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you so much, Thomas, for reading this rare poem, and for getting it so right … it let's me know there's someone who understands me … LOL!
Grateful blessings upon thee, My Friend! ⁓ Richard

[Roland Petrov]

Yes, this will be a challenge! This is the first time I've heard of the ballade, and yours is truly lovely. But 14 "b" rhymes?!!!

[Richard🖌]

Thanks for the kudos, Roland!
if I did it, I know you can, too … LOL!
Good luck … I can barely wait! ⁓ Richard

[Valentine]

I know nothing about writing forms, but this is really nice to read. Valentine

[Richard🖌]

Thank you so very warmly and gratefully for your comments, Dear Val … they are lovely to behold.read moreThank you so very warmly and gratefully for your comments, Dear Val … they are lovely to behold.
Yes, it is a most fetching form, but form alone does not make a captivating poem — that takes proper word-choices, cadence, emotive power, and a flow the reader can relate to and enjoy … as you have this one, my lovely friend … hugs to you! ⁓ Richard