The Puente form has three stanzas with the first and third having an equal number of lines and the middle stanza having only one line which acts as a bridge (puente) between the first and third stanza. The first and third stanzas convey a related but different element or feeling, as though they were two adjacent territories. The number of lines in the first and third stanza is the writer’s choice as is the choice of whether to write it in free verse or rhyme.
The center line is delineated by a tilde (~) and has ‘double duty’. It functions as the ending for the last line of the first stanza AND as the beginning for the first line of the third stanza. It shares ownership with these two lines and consequently bridges the first and third stanzas.
The harsh winds carried my shy, sun-kissed love
Across the tide-swept turbulent waters.
I could see the light of my life sparkle, then disappear,
Into the night sky that spread out a platter.
The silver-grey screen above was just a teary blur
Till a descending flash caused my heart to flutter.
~ A fragrant feather rested itself on me~
My heart skipped a beat as I clutched it lightly,
Never to crush nor let go of this God-sent gift.
It brushed against my face in its sprightly dance
Like my lover’s caress before the rift.
My sobs of agony now erupt as smile at the truth,
True love finds you from heaven, though gone adrift.
~ It lies buried in the silent nook within me~
A lover undemanding, flexible at every stance,
Never upset if I should ever ignore
Destiny’s play in finding me a soulmate,
A faithful balm that eases every sore.
I guess I found the love that never disappeared,
The constant companion which harsh winds never tore.