A Tetractys is a five-line syllabic verse form that consists of exactly 20 syllables arranged in a specific numerical sequence. It was invented by the British poet Ray Stebbing around the year 2000.
Structure and Syllable Count
The form is defined by its increasing syllable count per line, mirroring the "Tetractys of the Decad"—a triangular figure used by ancient Pythagoreans.
Line 1: 1 syllable
Line 2: 2 syllables
Line 3: 3 syllables
Line 4: 4 syllables
Line 5: 10 syllables
Key Variations
While the standard form is a single five-line stanza, it can be expanded into more complex structures:
Reverse Tetractys: The syllable pattern is flipped to 10, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Double Tetractys: A 10-line poem consisting of two stanzas. Typically, the first follows the 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 pattern and the second is reversed (10, 4, 3, 2, 1), often creating a diamond shape if centered.
Triple Tetractys: A 15-line poem that follows the pattern 1, 2, 3, 4, 10; 10, 4, 3, 2, 1; 1, 2, 3, 4, 10.
Purpose and Philosophy
Ray Stebbing designed the Tetractys to be Britain's counterpart to the Japanese haiku. The primary challenge for the poet is to express a complete, profound, or witty thought within the strict 20-syllable limit. Unlike many traditional forms, it does not require a specific meter or rhyme scheme, though poets may choose to include them.
OUR SAVIOUR
He
Came from
Bethlehem
And gave His life
So we could regain Our 'Paradise lost'.
IN DEFENCE OF REINCARNATION
If
Our end
Is final -
One chance, no more,
Then what on earth is the meaning for life!
EXTINCTION
In
Future,
Not far off,
Scientists will
Break more than just the code of life's genome!
HONOR BOUND
I
have not
forgotten
my pledge to you;
I shall reveal it when, at last, we meet.
For only then can all my dreams surpass
these images
that slowly
fade through
time.
IN MEMORY OF RAY
Ray
Stebbing
has not left,
for he lives on -
shape-shifting in his new form: Tectractys.
INNISBORE
I
call it
'Innisbore' -
island of dreams;
a place of timeless myth and age-old lore:
Where Dragons wing, where Faeries sing, where Druids
sleep real easy
and Knights are
filled with
Peace!