As the title insinuates, a MIRRORED REFRAIN poem repeats/reflects lines throughout the different stanzas. Originated by Stephanie Repnyek, this rhyming poem has no set number of syllables per line; the rhyme is essential with this style.

There is also no particular amount of stanzas required for the mirrored refrain poem.



Example by James Tate: (the 1st 2 stanzas are marked for schematic understanding)

A Good Name

Truth prevails over falsehood, (x)
Avoiding both pain and strife. (a)
A good name is better than gold, (B)
Understanding is a wellspring of life. (A)

The tongue is a little member (x)
But its lies are hard to hold. (b)
Understanding is a wellspring of life, (A)
A good name is better than gold. (B)

I worked so hard to gain great wealth,
But it cut me like a knife.
A good name is better than gold,
Understanding is a wellspring of life.

I followed the ten commandments,
They brought me near Christ’s fold.
Understanding is a wellspring of life,
A good name is better than gold.