Following 3 years of a poem a day (+ 109 additional days), I am ready to go back to practicing short-form poetry again. We will begin with a form called the Octodil . I will introduce at least one short-form poetry style per week and at least one poem in each style.

What is an Octodil?

An octodil is a form created by Viola Berg though it has been popularized by Linda Varsell Smith. It consists of the following:

How an Octodil is written:

• 8 lines
• syllables 4–4–6–6–8–8–6–6
• No rhymes

4
4
6
6
8
8
6
6

Remember it is no strict rhyme. I have written one with and without the rhymes that I prefer.

A Set of Octodils
by Michael Doyle

1) Octodil For the  Human Race
by Michael Doyle

Learning conflict
Has formed our past
Let's shape a way forward
Learning to wage our peace
Resolved for communication
Anticipate giving our best 
We  have to give to live
A great lesson well learned

(c) June 8, 2026   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved

and

2) Forest Octodil
by Michael Doyle

Nature Preserves
Photos taken
Forming new impressions
Ways to frame the beauty
A new project of older thoughts
Lessons of value given free
There is much more to see
And even more to share

(c) June 8, 2026   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved