My New Poetry Form

First the definition of chiasm:
Chiasm (KYE-az-um): the inversion of a phrase. Example from John F. Kennedy “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”  Or a Biblical reference, “The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” A chiasm may also be used as a structure (A B C – main idea – C1 B1 A1), so mirrored like J. F. K’s quote or repeated lines.

I created this poetry form, June 6, 2026. Chiasm Kace created by Kaci Rigney. Structure: Minimum of eight lines. Lines are mirrored in pairs by chiasm, so if there are eight lines, pair the first and last lines, then in lines two and six, and three and five. The middle lines rhyme in pairs and are the main point of the poem. You may have more than two middle lines, many more, but the outside pattern of three chiasms is a must. There may be more chiasms, if you wish, mine has five. The syllable count may vary slightly in the chiasms but should be isometric. The middle lines mark the main point of the poem, have eight syllables, and rhyme. In the example below, the two outer verses on either end have seven syllables. All other lines eight.

1  I always want you with me,
2  For you haunt my nightly dreams.
3  I wonder, do you think of me?
4  Don’t ask me if my love is true,
5  Or ask what I can do for you.
A  I look for ways to show I care;
A  Your name, I say, daily in prayer.
B  I think of you most tenderly;
B  And pray you do the same for me.
5  You ask what you can do for me.
4  Ask yourself if your love is true.
3  I think of you and I wonder,
2  Do I haunt your nightly dreams?
1  And do you want me with you?

Kaci Rigney Poem copyright 2026

As I look at my poem, I realize that many of my lines end in identical rhyme. I could label the rhyme scheme: abaccddaaacxbc, if I would like. But again, only the middle main theme lines need to rhyme.

Send me your Chiasm Kace, if you dare. Haha!