A footle is a type of poem that is actually very short. It is a two-line poem that consists of two syllables in each line. It is generally written to be light and witty. It is one of the most simple and yet most difficult poetry types. Simple for it is only two lines and two syllables, but difficult because with those two lines and syllables the author must make enough impact and create an entertaining enough poem that it can be memorable and enjoyed by the readers.
The use of footle poetry is to express a thought or finalize a point in a way that is captivating, but not overpowering. A footle poem is actually a trochaic monometer, which means it is a poem written in a foot, which is only two syllables. The goal of the trochaic monometer is simplicity and a footle poem is the definition of simplicity.
A footle is a 2 line, 2 syllable trochaiac monometer poem with an integral title suitable for light, witty, pertinent, topical verse.
Example
Brian Strand, UK
Experimental Verse ~ Footle*
Acers
warm glow
fall show
Go Slow
heigh-ho
furlough
Bonnie & Clyde
too snide
both died
[v] act foolishly, as by talking nonsense
[v] be about; "The high school students like to loiter in the Central Square"; "Who is this man that is hanging around the department?"
Synonyms
hang around, lallygag, linger, loaf, loiter, lollygag, lounge, lurk, mess about, mill about, mill around, tarry