Iambic pentameter is the rhythmic pattern. The poem is broken into two sections: an octave and a sestet. The poem has 14 lines in total. Within each section, there are seven feet (syllables) in a line. Each foot has an equal number of metrical syllables. The first foot of the poem begins with a weak syllable followed by a strong one. This pattern continues throughout the entire line. The last word of the line also contains a weak syllable followed by a strong one. This too is repeated throughout the line. This type of meter is known as aniambic pentameter. The second foot begins with a strong syllable that is followed by another strong syllable. This pattern continues throughout the line. The last word of the line also contains a strong syllable followed by another strong one. This type of meter is called dactylic hexameter. Iambic pentameter is used in many kinds of poems. It is the standard metric pattern for English sonnets and canyons. Dwelling in possibility is a poetic form that uses iambic pentameter. The poem was written by John Donne when he was 26 years old.