Ancestors’ First Homes, Jobs, and Communities
tep inside the early lives that shaped your family’s story.
Once immigrants settled in their new country, state, or territory, they created homes, found work, built communities, and not necessarily in that order. Poetry allows us to step into those early first spaces, as we imagine their kitchens, workshops, streets, and new friendships.
Poetry Form Spotlight: Triolet
A triolet is an eight-line poem with two lines repeated in a pattern (ABaAabAB).
Triolet at Poets.org
Triolet at Wikipedia
Triolet at Brittannica
Triolet at Shadow Poetry
From Classic to Modern by Poetry Through the Ages
Yes, it’s fall, but here’s a fresh triolet example:
A triolet by Sadakichi Hartmann 1867 – 1944 (public domain)
’Tis the first day of Spring!
The catkins are a-bloom,
The bluebirds are a-wing,
’Tis the first day of Spring!
Faint scents the breezes bring;
Man’s thoughts new shape assume.
’Tis the first day of Spring,
The catkins are a-bloom!
Note the use of (mostly) common language throughout, which makes it easier to come up with words that rhyme.
Mini-Prompt
Write a triolet about a single day in your ancestor’s first home or job. Focus on repetition and a single moment. Focus on what he or she might have been feeling, seeing, and hearing.
Call to action
Compile all four poems from this article and the previous three articles into a digital booklet or blog series.
Read more at the article Ancestors’ First Homes, Jobs, and Communities at Goin’ Poetic. You’ll find a reading list as well as a checklist to use before you begin to write your poem.
© 2023-2025 Hyperdivergent. All rights reserved. The trademark Hyperdivergent™ is the exclusive property of Hyperdivergent.
This website, including text, blog content, graphic designs, photographs, Case Studies, Resources, Tutorials, and other creative works found on this website, constitutes educational and journalistic expression not intended as professional business advice.
Testimonials or reviews on this website reflect individual experiences. Outcomes, results, and/or transformation are individualized and are not guaranteed. RESULTS FROM THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE ARE NOT GUARANTEED.