The tetractys is a 5-lined syllable poem. It looks short and simple, but each word must earn its place – it’s the crafting that goes into the tetractys that makes it so good!
Starting with one syllable for Line 1, each line then adds a syllable until the fifth line – which has 10 syllables. To rhyme, or not to rhyme – you can choose.
Line 1 – 1 syllable
Line 2 – 2 syllables
Line 3 – 3 syllables
Line 4 – 4 syllables
Line 5 – 10 syllables
Stretch.
Reach. Pain.
Lunge again.
Grit teeth, strike pose.
Bent double, in trouble. Can’t touch my toes!
© Kathryn Apel
That’s the challenge! Write a tetractys.
A double tetractys is when you turn a second, related poem on its end, to make a diamond shape.
Weigh your words and construct your poem. It’s not just about getting your syllable counts right on each line. Line breaks are important too – so make them work for you.
From draft to polished non-rhymed non-fiction tetractys.
Ramp up the challenge with a homophone, homograph or homonym double tetractys.
Kathryn Apel 
Kat, I hope you don’t mind, but my poem expresses my anger. I will not be posting this one on social media.
You
came to
my church home
hold sacred words
like a torch for your insensitive head.
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These are such difficult days, Margaret. Poetry gives voice to our fears, and our heart. Praying for you/us all. xx
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Sleep
New bed
Comfy thread
So very warm
No more rumblings, sleep through any storm
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Ooooh, the snuggle-effect of a new bed. Your use of the double rhyme is very effective in this, Karen.
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Kat, my poem is included in my blog post at https://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/2020/06/keeping-hope-alive.html. Thanks for the opportunity to write. I think your double tetractys is a very good example of how we can connect history into the curriculum.
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Thanks for sharing, Carol. Yes, poetry is a great way to intersect curriculum areas. And the tetractys is a great way to capture moments in time.
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