Tag: A Lai poem

Truth Hurts (a lai poem)

Nancy’s, Lai “Singed” challenged me to try the form myself. I’d never written a Lai before, but her poem inspired this first attempt — a small reply shaped from her spark.
Nancy: Singed – The Elephant’s Trunk


A traditional lai is a short French poetic form built on a pattern of nine lines, arranged in three stanzas. Each stanza follows this structure:

  • Lines 1–2: 5 syllables, same end rhyme
  • Line 3: 2 syllables, repeated refrain
  • Lines 4–5: 5 syllables, same end rhyme
  • Line 6: 2 syllables, repeated refrain
  • Lines 7–8: 5 syllables, same end rhyme
  • Line 9: 2 syllables, repeated refrain

The rhyme scheme is: a a b / a a b / a a b

The refrain (“truth hurts”) repeats at the end of each stanza, giving the lai its heartbeat.

And for Sadje’s WDYS >> What do you see # 347- 29 June, 2026 – Keep it alive





Truth Hurts (a lai poem)


I’m an awkward dill
with a broken quill —
truth hurts.

I don’t swallow krill,
nor kill for the thrill —
truth hurts.

I can’t light the grill,
my flame has no will —
truth hurts.





From fog to fire – a quiet truth above, a wild awakening below





Ivor Steven ©  June 2026