Challenge
Fun with Forms #4: The Quatern (level 2)
A QUATERN is a sixteen line French form composed of four quatrains. It is similar to the kyrielle and the retourne poetic forms, in that it has a refrain (repeated line). The refrain line is in a different place in each quatrain. The first line of stanza one is also the second line of stanza two, the third line of stanza three, and the fourth line of stanza four. A classic quatern has eight syllables per line, and it does not have to have any set meter or rhyme scheme. You can however adapt either of these, as long as the refrain cascades down through the four quatrains (stanzas). — Example here: https://theprose.com/post/739999/not-quite-sleeping — (Please tag me in the comments of your entry)
A breath before dying
The days seem long, the years go fast
ephemeral, it cannot last
life, love, the memories you share
dream of forever if you dare;
blink and the present becomes past
the days seem long, the years go fast
the path behind a vivid guide
death lies ahead, you cannot hide;
you gave your life for this moment
was it worth it? Do you own it?
the days seem long, the years go fast
the echos of yesteryear are vast;
do you rejoice in existence?
Meet time's passage with resistence?
Enjoy it all! The die is cast!
the days seem long, the years go fast.