All of these forms are octosyllabic descendants of forms from Spain.  They generally begin with the following rhyme schemes, although they are traditionally varied and improvised, changing a little each time a singer adds or alters the song.  These rhyme schemes are the framework for most rumba dance songs, often in an impromptu call-and-response pattern.  Humor is a common element, especially in the form of exaggeration, lies, and tall tales. redondilla- four lines, abba quintilla-five lines, abbaa, or aabba octavilla-two redondillas, abba acca decima-two redondillas linked by a two-line bridge, abba ac acca espinela-two redondillas linked by a two-line bridge, abba ac cddc ~Margarita Engle
		Seven poems by Margarita Engle Margarita Engle's Bio Home