A Dorsimbra: The Dorsimbra exists to make the poet demonstrate skill across three contrasting styles -- formal meter, free verse, and blank verse while still producing a poem that feels whole. It must have exactly 12 lines, arranged as three quatrains 1) a quatrain of iambic pentameter rhyming abab 2) a quatrain of "short and snappy" free verse, and 3) a quatrain of blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter). The final (12th) line is the same as the first line.
When autumn winds begin to scatter leaves,
And geese take flight upon a frost-kissed morn,
When corn stands bundled high in golden sheaves,
And milkweed pods explode with seeds adorned,
You'll find me,
Savoring nature's gifts,
Along winding woodland paths
That beckon me to follow
For though the seasons change, and so must I,
I choose embracing each dawn left to me
With gratitude and faith, especially
When autumn winds begin to scatter leaves...
10/4/2026
Hello, Katharine! So very pleased that my Dorsimbra resonated with you! Such an interesting and challenging poetic form to attempt, but I loved the process! Thank you again! diane
10/4/2026
yes. It does look fun to do!
10/3/2026
The Words That Got to Me
frost-kissed morn, *so vivid and poetic bundled high in golden sheaves, *I love the word 'sheaves' just in general, but especially here, where it is the PERFECT word. I choose embracing each dawn left to me With gratitude and faith, especially *Such an important reminder: joy is a CHOICE!
Wow, wow, wow. I am so inspired to try this now, myself!! Thank you for making me smarter today with this GORGEOUS style of poetry. When I was first reading the description, I was a bit gob-smacked...as in, seriously, how can this POSSIBLY be made into something cohesive? But then, OF COURSE, you showed EXACTLY how with this luminous creation. Watch for later in the week. I WILL be emulating your exquisite example. xoxo
10/4/2026
Hello, Rachelle! I am very honored by your complimentary review! I must share that Gloria Faye from FanStory introduced me to the Dorsimbra! I love attempting new poetic forms, and this one truly resonated with me! Please do write one as well! With much appreciation! fondly, diane
10/4/2026
The Words That Got to Me
And milkweed pods explode with seeds adorned - marvellous! For though the seasons change, and so must I… Ah yes, that slightly melancholic message lies behind each autumn wind.
I loved the image you gave us here - autumn is just so fabulously beautiful. Your praise of autumn’s beauty blended nicely with the philosophical message.
10/4/2026
Much appreciation, Rachel! Such an interesting and rewarding poetic format to attempt! Thank you! You must give it a go! fondly, diane
10/4/2026
I will try!
10/3/2026
The Words That Got to Me
When autumn winds begin to scatter leaves, And geese take flight upon a frost-kissed morn, When corn stands bundled high in golden sheaves, And milkweed pods explode with seeds adorned,
Well, Diane, this Dorsimbra certainly shines a light on your skill! The first poem, to me is especially pleasing. (The spell checker is still telling me that Dorsimbra is misspelled :) I choose embracing each dawn left to me With gratitude and faith, especially When autumn winds begin to scatter leaves... I love the way this shows the authors appreciation of nature's beauty, while simultaneously providing a perfect accompanying picture. Lovely! I think perhaps, you have taught us all something new--at least you have, me. Thank you for your lovely poem.