In the RHOPALICS poem each word in a line has one more syllable OR letter than the preceding word. It is also possible to reverse it so that each word has one less syllable than the preceeding, or even to alternate lines.

There is no set number of stanzas or syllables required in the rhopalics poem, other than the syllable rule stated above. A rhopalics poem is very flexible, though any more than four words per line would quickly become cumbersome.

examples provided by Rhopalics For LOTR
Example 1

Lettered Rhopalic for Merry

I, by his dear grace
Liveth: Aragorn bestowed
Blessings, revivalism

O my own dark dream;
Breath removed, grieving
Existance reawakened.

I do not want smoke,
Memory, painful, agonizes:
Regretful separation.
----
----

Example 2

Lettered Rhopalic for Theoden


I, an age aged after deceit; release.
I, to eye dark dream, closed, unbends
O my own mind - fresh lifted repiece.
A no-man cage newly opened repents.

I, my own hand sword filled,
O, as fey iron, steel bright!
I am now King again, willed -
A to-war will; never flight.

I, my far ally reach,
O to yon torn field
I my men will teach
O to not, ever, yield.

I am the King,
O my men!
I, to
I.