The Eramonian Sonnet (inverse sonnet) is a modern form created by Antonio Eramo. Unlike a traditional sonnet, which consists of 14 lines in iambic pentameter (10 syllables), this form consists of 10 lines in iambic heptameter (14 syllables).
The form consists of an opening quatrain, a couplet, and a concluding quatrain. Unlike a tradition sonnet, where the volta is found near the end of the poem, the volta in an Eramonian sonnet can be found in the middle couplet. The symmetry in the form allows for a more even distribution of thought before and after the volta.
Structure:
Quatrain/couplet/quatrain
Rhyme Scheme:
aabb cc ddee or abba cc deed
Template :
(a) (a)
(a) (b)
(b) (b)
(b) (a)
(c)
(c)
(d) (d)
(d) (e)
(e) (e)
(e) (d)
Example:
Standing by the Gate
When I close my eyes to see you, you're standing by the gate
still waiting for another feast of friends to congregate.
To pass the time beneath the vine with stories on repeat
I never knew how fortunate I was to have a seat
You taught me when and how to plant, and showed me where to prune
I still cannot believe the things you knew based off the moon
though snow may cover gardens now, that isn't all you grew
still I don't know what happens next, this chapters far too new
All that I know, is who you were, is who I'll emulate
and I pray I'll see you once again...standing by the gate
Antonio Eramo
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