Please excuse the above audio quality, I’m in the middle of moving into a new house and don’t have my normal set up for recording.

With its roots in medieval France, this versatile form combines two stanzas of different lengths and rhyme schemes to create a powerful and impactful expression of complex emotions. 

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the history and structure of the Bref Double and provide you with tips for crafting your own captivating poems. 

Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, the Bref Double is a form that is sure to enhance your creativity and depth of expression. 

So, let's dive in and explore the beauty and power of the Bref Double together!

Historical Synopsis of the Bref Double

The Bref Double poetic form has a rich and complex history that spans back to medieval France, where it was a popular form of poetry in the 14th and 15th centuries.

During this time, many French poets utilized the Bref Double to express a range of emotions, from love and desire to sadness and despair.

Some of the most famous French poets to use the form include Jean Froissart, Eustache Deschamps, and Guillaume de Machaut.

In fact, de Machaut is credited with popularizing the form, and his works served as an inspiration for many poets who followed in his footsteps.

One notable example of a Bref Double poem from this time period is Machaut's "Dou lay de la fonteinne," (go to page 90 to read the original French and English translation) which translates to "Song of the Fountain."

This poem tells the story of a knight who encounters a beautiful woman while seeking refuge at a fountain.

The Bref Double structure of the poem helps to convey the emotions of the knight as he falls in love with the woman, ultimately leading to a bittersweet ending.

Although the Bref Double fell out of favor in subsequent centuries, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity among contemporary poets.

In recent years, poets such as Rachel Richardson, Leila Chatti, and Kim Addonizio have used the form to great effect in their work, exploring themes such as love, loss, and the complexities of the human experience.

Richardson's poem "Bref Double for the Afternoon" and Chatti's poem "Bref Double for the Night My Body Betrays Me" are two notable examples of modern Bref Double poetry.

The Bref Double's ability to convey complex emotions in a concise and impactful way has made it a favorite among writers looking to experiment with different poetic forms.

The form's popularity has also led to adaptations in a range of languages, including English, where it has been embraced by poets as a means of exploring new ways to express their emotions.

Today, the Bref Double remains a beloved poetic form that continues to inspire writers to create beautiful and impactful works of art.

The Structure of the Bref Double

The Bref Double is a poetic form that adds an elegant twist to traditional poetry.

It consists of two stanzas of varying lengths: the first is longer and typically comprises eight to ten lines, while the second is shorter and usually consists of only four to five lines.

What sets the Bref Double apart is its rhyme scheme, which is AABBA for the longer stanza and ABB for the shorter stanza.

This clever combination gives the poem a distinctive rhythm and flow.

The final line of the longer stanza is repeated as the final line of the shorter stanza, giving the poem a sense of unity and cohesiveness.

This beautiful structure allows the writer to explore different emotions and themes in a concise yet impactful way.

• Consists of two stanzas of varying length.

• The first stanza is longer and typically has eight to ten lines.

• The second stanza is shorter and consists of four to five lines.

• The rhyme scheme for the longer stanza is AABBA.

• The rhyme scheme for the shorter stanza is ABB.

• The final line of the longer stanza is repeated as the final line of the shorter stanza, creating a sense of structure and continuity.

Choosing An Emotion That Resonates

Choosing a theme for your Bref Double poem is your opportunity to explore a vast spectrum of emotions, such as passion, longing, sorrow, or even elation.

This form allows you to express yourself in a unique way and to communicate your feelings through carefully chosen words and phrases.

So, take some time to ponder and decide on what you want to say and how you want to say it.

Your chosen theme will serve as the foundation for the rest of your poem, so make sure it is something that truly resonates with you.

Whether you draw inspiration from personal experiences, nature, or other sources, allow your creativity to flow and let your emotions guide you.

Brainstorm What Poetic Elements To Include

Unleash your creativity and ignite your inspiration by jotting down a multitude of ideas and phrases that relate to your chosen theme. 

Allow your imagination to roam free and don't hesitate to include vivid imagery and compelling metaphors that will bring your emotions to life.

Here are some examples of less obvious or cliche imagery and metaphors that could be used in a Bref Double poem:

• Love is a fragile spiderweb, spun from strands of pure gold.

• Joy is a flock of fireflies, dancing in the darkness.

• Sadness is a wilting flower, its petals falling one by one.

• Loss is a solitary boat, drifting aimlessly in a sea of memories.

• Anger is a wildfire, raging out of control and consuming everything in its path.

• Fear is a shadow that looms over us, casting a long and ominous presence.

• Hope is a tiny seed, buried deep within the soil, waiting for the warmth of the sun to bring it to life.

• Loneliness is a silent rain that falls steadily, tapping out a rhythm of longing and yearning.

Consider the words that will effectively convey your feelings and express your innermost thoughts.

Play with language and experiment with different phrases until you find the perfect combination that truly resonates with you.

Keep in mind that the power of a Bref Double poem lies in its concise nature, so carefully select each word to ensure that it packs a punch.

Tackle The Largest Stanza First

Begin your Bref Double poem by crafting the first, longer stanza. This is your opportunity to explore your chosen theme and express your emotions in depth.

Take the ideas and phrases you brainstormed and weave them into a sequence of eight or ten lines that build upon each other.

Make sure to pay attention to the AABBA rhyme scheme, and let the words flow together smoothly like a melody.

With each line, draw your reader deeper into your world until they are fully immersed in your thoughts and feelings.

Then Write The Shorter Bit

In the second stanza of your Bref Double poem, the ABB rhyme scheme takes center stage.

It's here where you can wrap up your thoughts and emotions with a succinct and memorable ending.

Don't be afraid to repeat the final line of the first stanza, as it provides a satisfying sense of continuity and unity.

Use this opportunity to reinforce the central message or theme of your poem, leaving a lasting impression on your reader.

Keep the language concise and impactful, and aim to create a strong emotional resonance that lingers long after the poem is finished.

Edit, Edit, Edit

Transforming a rough draft into a polished masterpiece is essential when it comes to creating a Bref Double poem.

Take some time to revise and refine your poem. Pay close attention to the consistency of the rhyme scheme and the clarity of the language.

It's important to ensure that every word counts in a Bref Double poem, so consider removing any unnecessary words or phrases that may distract from the overall message.

Try reading your poem aloud, as it can help you identify areas that require improvement.

Remember, the rhythm and flow of your poem are crucial elements that will make it stand out, so make sure that it is easy to read and understand.

Just Some Final Touches

Transform your Bref Double poem into a true work of art by giving it the visual appeal it deserves.

Think about how you can use the page to enhance the structure and flow of your poem.

Experiment with different font sizes and line breaks to create a visually striking poem that emphasizes the repeated line in the shorter stanza.

Consider using white space to draw attention to the words and phrases that are most important to you.

Remember, the way your poem looks on the page is just as important as the words you've chosen, so take some time to format it in a way that truly captures the essence of your poem.

Once you're satisfied with the look and feel of your poem, add any final touches that will take it from great to exceptional.

Then, step back and admire your Bref Double poem in all its glory.

What’s Next?

In conclusion, writing a Bref Double poem can be an immensely rewarding experience, giving you the opportunity to delve into a range of emotions and express them in a concise and powerful way.

By following the steps outlined above, you can create a poem that not only impresses with its structure, but also resonates with readers on an emotional level.

So why not give it a try? Grab a pen and paper and allow your creativity to flow. Who knows? You may just surprise yourself with what you're capable of.

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

It is midnight & you are not asleep.

You have buried a part of yourself

in every city you've ever been to.

When you leave, you forget which

place holds the what. In San Francisco

a woman pressed your fingers to her

clavicle & said Here is where the pulse

begins. I want you to remember this.

You do. You remember & forget.

You remember that you forgot.

On your second visit you can't

find her apartment. You can't

remember her name. You walk

for miles, hoping to stumble

upon a face you know, a place

you might have seen in a dream.

Here is the repetition

of the pulse: it is midnight &

you are not asleep.

Citation: Vuong, Ocean. "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous." Copper Canyon Press, 2019.