Octameter in

poetry Poetry (from the Greek language, Greek word ''poiesis'', "making") is a form of literature, literary art that uses aesthetics, aesthetic and often rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meaning (linguistics), meanings in addition to, or in ...

is a line of eight metrical

feet The foot (: feet) is an anatomical structure found in many vertebrates. It is the terminal portion of a limb which bears weight and allows locomotion. In many animals with feet, the foot is an organ at the terminal part of the leg made up of ...

. It is not very common in English verse. E.g.: - ''Trochaic'' :Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary :Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore- :While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping :As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door :(

Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe (; January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic who is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales involving mystery and the macabre. He is widely re ...

, "

The Raven "The Raven" is a narrative poem by American writer Edgar Allan Poe. First published in January 1845, the poem is often noted for its musicality, stylized language and supernatural atmosphere. It tells of a distraught lover who is paid a visit ...

") ''Iambic'' :I am the very model of a modern Major-General, :I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral, :I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical :From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical; :I'm very well-acquainted, too, with matters mathematical, :I understand equations, both the simple and quadratical, :About binomial theorem I'm teeming with a lot o' news, :With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse. :( W.S. Gilbert, "

The Pirates of Penzance ''The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty'' is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert, W. S. Gilbert. Its official premiere was at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City on 3 ...

") ''Anapestic (acephalous)'' :Ere frost-flower and snow-blossom faded and fell, and the splendour of winter had passed out of sight, :The ways of the woodlands were fairer and stranger than dreams that fulfil us in sleep with delight; :The breath of the mouths of the winds had hardened on tree-tops and branches that glittered and swayed :Such wonders and glories of blossomlike snow or of frost that outlightens all flowers till it fade :( A. C. Swinburne, "March: An Ode") ''Dactyllic'' There is, however, the occasional song, among them Marty Robbins's Grammy-winning (1961) "El Paso." :Out in the West Texas town of El Paso :I fell in love with a Mexican girl :Nighttime would find me in Rosa's Cantina :Music would play and Feleena would whirl :... :Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys :Off to my left ride a dozen or more :Shouting and shooting; I can't let them catch me :I have to make it to Rosa's back door ....

See also