A refrain is a verse or phrase that is repeated at intervals throughout a song or poem. This is usually after the chorus or stanza.
The cat so silent
Lay curled up on the rug
The fire a blaze
The room so snug.
Purring, purring
Quiet and still
Purring, purring
Content from his fill.
Tatters the cat
Big, fat cat.
He had just eaten
A dinner of fish
What a treat to have
Filling up his dish.
Purring, purring
Quiet and still
Purring, purring
Content from his fill.
Tatters the cat
Big, fat cat.
No more cold for the day
He was in for the night
Fun he had had
When the day was light.
Purring, purring
Quiet and still
Purring, purring
Content from his fill.
Tatters the cat
Big, fat cat.
Why don’t you try writing a poem using a refrain and enter it into one of our Poetry Competitions.