Rondeau Poems

“Refrain and return—fixed music in a circle of lines.”

TitleAuthorType of Poem
Three faces II. GenoaAlgernon Charles SwinburneRondeau
Three faces III. VeniceAlgernon Charles SwinburneRondeau
To F. WWilliam Ernest HenleyRondeau
To General Dumourier. Parody On Robin AdairRobert BurnsRondeau
To K. de M. - Life In Her Creaking ShoesWilliam Ernest HenleyRondeau
TrioletRobert Fuller MurrayRondeau
Valentines - II. To A BaEugene FieldRondeau
VersesPhilip Sidney (Sir)Rondeau
VersesPhilip Sidney (Sir)Rondeau
VesperalErnest Christopher DowsonRondeau

Understanding Rondeau

A rondeau is a fixed French form built on two rhymes and a repeating refrain (the rentrement). Its musical return gives the poem a memorable circularity.

Core characteristics of the rondeau:

  • Structure: Traditionally 15 lines in 3 stanzas (5 / 4 / 6 lines).
  • Rhyme & Refrain: Uses only two rhymes (often noted a and b) and a refrain R made from the opening phrase. A common scheme is aabba aabR aabbaR, where R is the short repeated refrain.
  • Refrain (Rentrement): The refrain is usually the poem’s opening phrase (about a quarter to a half line) that returns at the ends of stanzas 2 and 3.
  • Meter: Historically octosyllabic (8 syllables) in French; in English, meter is flexible, but tight rhythm enhances the songlike feel.
  • Tone & Effect: The refrain reframes meaning as it returns—creating irony, deepening emotion, or sharpening focus.
  • Variations: Related forms include the rondelet and rondeau redoublé, which elaborate the refrain and repetition patterns.

In a strong rondeau, the refrain doesn’t just repeat—it evolves; each reappearance casts prior lines in a fresh light.