Than-Bauk

Than-Bauk
Than-Bauk is a traditional Burmese poetic form, known for its conciseness and clever use of rhyme and wordplay. It consists of just three lines, with each line containing four syllables. What sets Than-Bauk apart is its unique rhyme structure: the rhyme falls on the last syllable of the first line, the third syllable of the second line, and the second syllable of the third line.

The Than-Bauk, including its rhyme sound, ends up looking as follows:
aaaB
aaBa
aBaa
The ‘B’ represents the sole rhyme sound of the poem, while ‘a’ represents an unrhymed syllable.

Inside
The sky is blue
if in view but
no hue inside.

Also known as Myanmar poetry, here is a westernized version that uses eight syllables per line and an internal rhyme scheme that links each line to the next.

The Sky is Blue
The sky is blue beyond the trees,
If hues renew beneath the breeze,
the view breaks through across the seas.

Quick Note: The second version is not a Than-Baul Poem, but an inspired version that was just imagined.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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