Seelie Poetry

Seelie poetry does not rhyme. Rather, it follows certain "principles of sound." According to Seelie poets there are three types of poem. "That which flows like clear water over stones, that which grows like a tree in rich soil, and that which descends like a rock thrown into water." The choice of words and syllables forms these sounds, and is carefully studied by those who choose verse as their craft. The first type (Water Poems) are narrative poems, poems which tell stories of the history of the fae, and which recount folktales. The second (Tree Poems) is 'occasional poems' celebrating specific lives. They would be written expressly for the birth, marriage, or other coming of age rites of one person or one family. However, some became so popular they are now recited at every birth and wedding. The last (Stone Poems) are the 'death poems' or more accurately the 'life cycle' poems. These celebrate the changing of seasons, the death of flowers and trees in autumn especially, and also the death of loved ones.