Cascade
A cascade poem is a contemporary poetic form invented by Udit Bhatia in 2007. It features a distinctive “cascading” structure where the lines of the first stanza are repeated as refrains in each subsequent stanza. While there is no set rhyme scheme or meter, the poem’s defining feature is the repetition of the first stanza’s lines at the end of each following stanza. In this version, the line is repeated in each subsequent second line.

A Cry of Praise
I praise You, Lord, for blessings great and small,
But this year’s been a trial by fire.
Oh Lord, save us—my children, family, all,
Your grace, like manna, raises our prayers higher.

Though I cry out in fear, I praise You still—
I praise You, Lord, for blessings great and small.
In deserts deep, You provide every need,
Yet this world’s comforts fade, and shadows fall.

Amid the flames, Your truth remains my guide,
But this year’s been a trial by fire.
I trust Your love, though sorrows mark the road,
Your promises are life when hope seems dire.

When all is said and done, You stand alone,
Oh Lord, save us—my children, family, all.
This world is but a fleeting, hellish dream—
Your light breaks through illusions that enthrall.

I love my life, but long for heaven’s grace,
Your grace, like manna, raises our prayers higher.
In joyful hope, I wait for that bright day
When Christ calls us redeemed in holy fire.

Repetition:
The lines of the first stanza are reused in the second line of each subsequent stanza. For example, if the first stanza has four lines (A, B, C, D), the following stanzas will have the second line be A, B, and C, and D respectively. Some choose to have these be the ending line.
Length:
The number of stanzas is determined by the number of lines in the first stanza, and each stanza will generally have the same number of lines as the first.
Freedom:
The form does not follow a specific rhyme or meter, allowing the poet flexibility in rhythm and sound.