Rhythm
The rhythm is very important if you want your verse to sound professional.
Make sure it’s easy to read and that it sounds natural. In writing circles this is called meter.
It’s all about counting out the syllables and creating a pattern by deciding where the rhymes should go. Will you write 11/8/11/8, 12/12/12/12 or something more adventurous?
Example 1
I stand here before you so moved and so proud
to celebrate our little girl
Though calling her ‘little’ was once quite allowed
these days it might well make her hurl
(This verse is for a daughter's 16th birthday and can be bought in it's entirety from our verse collection.)
Example 2
I guess we’re here today to somehow celebrate
That you are leaving us – but oh – how much I hate
The fact that on this day you leave us in a state
As if I didn’t have enough here on my plate!
(This verse is intended for a woman leaving work to have a baby. It can be bought in it's entirety from our verse collection)
In this verse, however, I have chosen to end every single one of the 20 lines with the same rhyme - ate. Normally you would use one rhyme for two lines and then move on to the next one.
When it comes to rhythm my suggestion is to choose a one that feels natural
to you. Read a rhyming children’s book or a favourite poem to help you find the right feel.
To get the rhythm right, repeat the chosen poem or verse until you want to rip it to pieces. When you start walking to the rhythm on the chosen verse you’re ready to write your own!