Alliterative verse is a specific style used in Old English epic poetry from about the 5th century until the 12th century. Although alliteration is its basic structural principle, there are other conventions to the form.
It divides each line into two half-lines.
. A pause separates the two half-lines, the a-verse and the b-verse
. Each half-lines usually has two heavily stressed syllables, referred to as 'lifts' or 'beats' (other, less heavily stressed syllables, are called 'dips').
. The lifts in the a-verse alliterate with the first lift in the b-verse.
. The second lift in the b-verse does not alliterate with the first lifts.

This is my first attempt at writing alliterative verse. Guidance by anyone familiar with the form would be appreciated!

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