The Swap Quatrain was created by Lorraine M. Kanter.

A swap quatrain is a four-line poetic form where the first line is reversed to become the fourth line. This is done for each stanza in a poem, creating a repeating structure. The poem follows a consistent rhyming scheme, such as AABB, CCDD, and so on. 

Line structure: The defining feature is that the first line of each quatrain is repeated as the fourth line, but inverted.

Rhyme scheme: The stanzas typically follow a simple rhyming pattern, like AABB, CCDD etc where the first and second lines rhyme and the third and fourth lines also rhyme. The rhymes are not to be repeated in the subsequent stanzas.

Stanzaic form: A complete poem in this form can consist of multiple quatrains. 

Syllable count : This form does not follow any specific syllable count but be mindful of the meter.

 

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Here is a poem that I have attempted;

 

TITLE : WISTFUL WHISPERS IN THE WIND

Silence echoed through space and time,

Words unsaid appeared to rhyme,

Accrued feelings seemed to implode,

Through space and time, silence echoed.

 

As winter frost reigned, my heart failed to thaw,

In every tucked memory it was you I saw,

Rewinding the past my tears rained,

My heart failed to thaw, as winter frost reigned.

 

A second chance with you, with melodies I plead,

To the whispering wind, I wish you pay heed,

The walls around you I yearn to breakthrough, 

With melodies I plead, a second chance with you.

 

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Have fun experimenting with this style! Please drop in your comments. 

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