Decastich

/dɪˈkæstɪk/ noun

Definition

A poem or verse composition consisting of exactly ten lines.

Etymology

From the Greek prefix 'deca-' (ten) combined with 'stich' or 'stichos' (line of verse). This poetic term appears in classical and medieval literature analysis.

Kelly Says

The decastich never achieved the fame of sonnets (14 lines) or haikus (3 lines), but Renaissance poets loved ten-line forms because the decade felt mathematically perfect—complete without the emotional punch of a sonnet's volta.

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