sestina

A sestina is a poetic form consisting of 39 lines divided into six six-line stanzas (quatrains) and a three-line ending (tercet). It follows a strict pattern where six chosen words, often keywords, appear at the end of the lines in a specific sequence in the first stanza and then repeat in varying order in subsequent stanzas and the final tercet. This structure creates a musical and intricate pattern, challenging poets to craft diverse content around the same set of words while maintaining coherence and rhythm. The sestina is valued for its complexity and artistry.