Meet the Ae Freislighe
The Ae Freislighe (pronounced ‘ay fresh-lee’) is a Celtic form which you’ll find somewhat adapted in English. These adaptations still strive to match the musicality of the original language by including complex patterns of rhyme and alliteration.

Key Features of the Ae Freislighe
Content: Traditionally contains internal patterns of alliteration to create a musical effect
Form: Made up of any number of quatrains
Rhyme: Features a triple-rhyme in lines 1 and 3, and a double-rhyme in lines 2 and 4 (see example)
Syllables: Seven syllables per line
Ending: Usually ends with the same word or line with which the poem begins (in Celtic poetry, this is called a dunadh)
Example
Tennessee, by Robert Lee Brewer
Do you recall Tennessee
& all that late night kissing,
or is it a memory
once yours that’s now gone missing?
Perhaps there’s some video
for both of us to review
& retire to Ohio
with vows that we will renew.
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An Original Poem
A Cutting
To find the life underneath
Sometimes it takes a cutting
A folding back of the sheath
To see the green life budding
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Want to Learn More? Start Here:
Celtic Poetry – Poet’s Garret
Ae Freislighe – Writer’s Digest
LOTR Ae Freislighe – LOTR Scrapbook
Ae Freislighe Pressed – Yeahwrite.me
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