“Jelly beans are proof that happiness can come in small,
colorful packages.”
— Anonymous
Rainbow soldiers fight a sugar war;
costumed joy to heal a sick day.
Cherry bites a bitter truth
licorice tells me lies.
Buttered popcorn melts
grape’s sweet kiss.
I choose
pink.
Pop.
Writing a Nonet
The nonet is a poetic form that begins full and satisfying with nine syllables in the first line, then steadily shrinks by one syllable per line until the final word stands alone. That gradual taper reflects how emotion or meaning can sharpen as a poem narrows. It asks the writer to be deliberate. Each line must do more with less, building tension or clarity as it slips toward the end.
Today, in honor of National Jelly Bean Day, I used this form as my additional challenge. I strayed a little, but we have that freedom. It’s sugar, right?
Three Great Nonets to Inspire You
- The Card by Cynthia Buhain-Baello
- Rondelets (Nonet) by Dorian Petersen Potter
- A Nonet at the Close of the Day by Rev. James E. Laurence
Explore these for inspiration and try writing one yourself!
Writing Challenge: Try a Nonet
Write your own nonet using the 9 to 1 syllable count. Begin with a subject that might feel light or overlooked, and see where it leads as each line contracts.
Need a nudge? Here are a few prompt ideas:
- A forgotten object in a drawer
- A single raindrop before a storm
- The sound of something breaking
Share your nonet or a link to it in the comments.