The lai is a traditional French poetic form known for its structured syllable counts and rhyme scheme. It originated in medieval France, often linked to the works of trouvères and troubadours.

Structure

A standard lai stanza consists of nine lines divided into three-line units (called pieds), following an AABAABAAB rhyme scheme. Lines with “A” rhymes have 5 syllables each, while “B” rhyme lines have 2 syllables, totaling 36 syllables per stanza. Poems typically feature multiple such stanzas, each with its own rhyme sounds, creating a playful rhythm.

Historical Context

Emerging in the 12th-13th centuries, the lai was a lyric form for songs with non-repeating musical sections across stanzas, distinguishing it from formes fixes like the rondeau. Early versions varied widely, sometimes as long narrative poems in octosyllabic couplets inspired by Celtic tales, though modern English adaptations emphasize the stricter syllabic version.