Decastich Poetry

A decastich is a poetic form consisting of a single stanza with exactly ten lines. The term comes from the Greek words “deka,” meaning ten, and “stichos,” meaning line or verse. This compact structure challenges poets to convey complex ideas or narratives within a limited space, often resulting in dense, impactful poetry.

Decastich poems don’t adhere to a specific rhyme scheme or meter, allowing for flexibility in their composition. They can be written in various styles, from free verse to more structured forms. The brevity of the decastich makes it ideal for exploring a single moment, emotion, or idea in depth. Poets often use this form to create a sense of urgency or to deliver a powerful message succinctly.

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Children of Light

by Robert Lowell

‘Children of Light’ unveils America’s colonial legacy, weaving guilt, hypocrisy, and violence into a a searing portrait of self-reflection.

Lowell's decastich structure in 'Children of Light' creates a tightly compressed narrative, mirroring the concentrated historical events it describes. The ten-line form allows for a succinct yet powerful exploration of America's complex colonial legacy, each line building tension toward the haunting final image.

Our fathers wrung their bread from stocks and stones

And fenced their gardens with the Redmen's bones;

Embarking from the Nether Land of Holland,

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The Scholar-Gipsy

by Matthew Arnold

A quiet reflection on modern life and spiritual escape, ‘The Scholar-Gipsy’ follows a wandering figure who leaves the world behind in search of something deeper and lasting.

Arnold uses decastich stanzas, meaning each part of the poem is made up of ten lines. All the lines are in iambic pentameter and follow a regular rhyme pattern, which helps create a steady, thoughtful rhythm. This form lets Arnold tell a long and quiet story without rushing, while still keeping each part balanced. The ten-line structure fits the poem’s calm mood and gives enough space for reflection, nature description, and slow emotional build-up.

Go, for they call you, shepherd, from the hill;

Go, shepherd, and untie the wattled cotes!

No longer leave thy wistful flock unfed,

Nor let thy bawling fellows rack their throats,

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Decastich Poetry

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Decastich Poetry

Children of Light

by Robert Lowell

The Scholar-Gipsy

by Matthew Arnold

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