Décimas

Décimas are a ten-line poetic form with a specific rhyme scheme and meter, widely used in Spanish-language poetry and music. The most common form is the décima espinela, named after the 16th-century Spanish poet Vicente Espinel. This structure consists of ten octosyllabic lines (eight syllables per line). The rhyme scheme is typically ABBAACCDDC. Each décima is a self-contained unit, often used to tell a story, express an emotion, or explore a philosophical idea.

The décima espinela is characterized by its intricate rhyming pattern. The first four lines form an ABBA quatrain, followed by two redondillas (CDDC). The final four lines often echo or develop the themes introduced earlier, maintaining the rhyme scheme. This structure allows for a complex development of thought within a compact form.

Beyond its formal structure, the décima has a rich cultural significance. It is a popular form in folk music and oral traditions across Latin America, particularly in countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Décimas are often improvised in musical performances, known as "contrapunteo" or "duelos de décimas," where poets engage in a lyrical battle, responding to each other's verses. This tradition highlights the décima's versatility as both a literary and performative art.