ABAACCB Poetry

Poems with an ABAACCB rhyme scheme often create a layered, musical-like effect. The repetition of the ‘A’ rhyme adds emphasis and unity, while the ‘C’ couplet provides contrast or a turning point. This structure blends familiarity with surprise, supporting reflective, romantic, or narrative tones effectively across stanzas.

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A Ballad of Ducks

by Banjo Paterson

Paterson’s ‘A Ballad of Ducks’ uses wild storytelling to show how absurd it is to rely on ducks during a grasshopper plague.

The rhyme scheme for this poem is one of a kind, following an ABAACCB pattern. It shows that Paterson did not ascribe to one of the orthodox rhyming patterns. Rather, he decided to invent his own for this specific poem. This is reflected in the poem, considering each stanza comprises seven lines (septets) and so would naturally need an unconventional pattern to establish rhyme. This expected pattern of chaos reflects the subject and tone of the poem, as the speaker is forced to endure an infestation of uncontrollable grasshoppers.

The railway rattled and roared and swung

With jolting and bumping trucks.

The sun, like a billiard red ball, hung

In the Western sky: and the tireless tongue

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ABAACCB Poetry

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ABAACCB Poetry

A Ballad of Ducks

by Banjo Paterson

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