Poetry Kaleidoscope: Guide to Poetry

McWhirtle

A McWhirtle is a light verse form similar to a double dactyl, invented in 1989 by American poet Bruce Newling. McWhirtles share essentially the same form as double dactyls, but without the strict requirements, making them easier to write. Specifically:

• McWhirtles do not require a nonsense phrase (e.g., "Higgeldy piggeldy") on the first line.
• There is no requirement for a double-dactylic word in the second stanza.
• There is an extra unstressed syllable added to the beginning of the first line of each stanza.
• Although the meter is the same as in a double-dactyl, syllables may move from the end of one line to the beginning of the next for readability.

The looser form allows poets additional freedom to include additional rhymes and other stylistic devices.

An example by American poet Kenn Nesbitt:

Fernando the Fearless

We're truly in awe of

Fernando the Fearless

who needed no net

for the flying trapeze.

Alas, what a shame

it's surprisingly difficult

catching a bar

in the midst of a sneeze.

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