The ZaniLa Rhyme, a form created by Laura Lamarca consists 4 lines per stanza. The rhyme scheme is ABCB and a syllable count of 9/7/9/9 per stanza. Line 3 contains an internal rhyme which is repeated in every odd numbered stanza. Even numbered stanzas contain the same line but it is swapped. The ZaniLa rhyme has a minimum of 3 stanzas and no maximum length.

Shriek

Can you hear the stars that are dying?

Their shrieks piercing these walls

Deep in the night as birds flock in fright

You’re not alone when you hear them call.

In the day life is almost normal

Covered in your spiky drawl

As birds flock in fright deep in the night

That’s when the galaxies caterwaul.

Do you hear them when you lie awake?

Or close your ears to the squall?

Deep in the night as birds flock in fright

Where are the arms to which you will crawl?

Hush now, child, you’ll get used to the screams

What jars will cease to appal

As birds flock in fright deep in the night

You’ll learn to sleep and ignore it all.

Years later you’ll lie awake wondering

Where have I heard this old brawl?

Deep in the night as birds flock in fright

You will lie alone and want to bawl.

I wish I could say there’s hope for you

But there isn’t, it’s fuckall.

As birds flock in fright deep in the night

You will learn to deal with Life’s curve balls.