’Intii Łaa

An ’Intii Łaa (Łaakehau'a: braided speech) is a type of spoken poetry recited by the inhabitants of Mpaikewuu’akehau’a. It follows a strict rhyme and syllable pattern, which is believed to help maintain it's original form even after being passed down many times, because of this they are often written with the intention of preserving important events.

Structure

The two common types of ’Intii Łaa are Ma’ia (full) and ’Iniuu’ia (short)

Ma’ia

Ma’ia poems are composed of 12, 6 and 9 syllable verses alternating. They follow a rhyme scheme of ABABCBCDCDE... with new rhymes being added continuously. It is the older of the two, and as such the name ma’ia was only added retroactively, to distinguish it from the ’Iniuu’ia. Due to it more complex then it's younger sibling it is reserved for more important events, such as the reigns of Hawuu’a or disasters.

example:

TBA its too late to be writing poems in a conlang

’Iniuu’ia

’Iniuu’ia poems are believed to have arose by simplifying the structure of the ma’ia. They follow a rhyme scheme of AABBCCDDEE..., and the verses are only 9 and 6 syllables long. Their simpler structure makes them easier to compose, giving them a broader demographic. Aside from being used to chronicle historical events, they are commonly written as confessions of love, to praise an individual or, among those who carry information between the Qala'akehau’a'a to make a message easier to remember.

example:

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