An All American Sestina is a type of poem that follows a specific form and structure. It consists of six stanzas with six lines each, followed by a three-line stanza called an envoi. The end words of the first six lines of the first stanza are repeated in a particular pattern in the following stanzas, creating a sense of unity and cohesiveness throughout the poem.
The All American Sestina is a modern variation of the traditional sestina, which originated in medieval Europe. It was created by the American poet John Berryman in the 1950s and has since gained popularity among poets and literature enthusiasts.
One of the distinctive features of the All American Sestina is its use of end words, which are repeated in a set pattern throughout the poem. In the first stanza, the end words are repeated in the following order: 1, 5, 2, 4, 3, 6. In the second stanza, the end words are repeated in the order: 6, 1, 5, 2, 4, 3. This pattern continues in the subsequent stanzas, with the end words being repeated in the order: 3, 6, 1, 5, 2, 4, and 4, 3, 6, 1, 5, 2.
The All American Sestina also follows a specific rhyme scheme, with the end words of each line rhyming in the following pattern: ababcc, ccdbbd, bdeede, eedcde, dcbaab, abeede.
The subject matter of an All American Sestina can vary widely, from personal experiences and observations to historical events and cultural issues. The poem's form and structure lend themselves well to exploring complex themes and ideas in a creative and expressive way.
In conclusion, the All American Sestina is a unique and captivating poetic form that offers poets the opportunity to explore a wide range of themes and ideas in a structured and cohesive manner. Its repetition of end words and strict rhyme scheme create a sense of unity and cohesiveness throughout the poem, making it a popular choice among poets and literature enthusiasts.