The first eight lines of a typical Italian sonnet, known as the octave, describe a difficulty, inquiry, or personal concern. The final six lines, or sestet, resolve the dilemma or answer the question posed in the octave. The rhyme scheme of the set might change. Some sonnets use iambic pentameter but others employ various other meters. An example of a sonnet with an octave and a sestet follows: Love is too young to be so old, Age to age does not match the days that pass. Young love requires time to grow up Old love needs time to rest upon itself. So, love is both young and old, like age itself. It begins small and grows as it develops over time. This is why love feels so overwhelming at first look or even from across the room; it's such a strong emotion that it can't help but show itself immediately. As the saying goes, "Happiness is self-love, which no one can teach you." You have to learn it for yourself. Now that you know what an octave and a sestet are, you can look at your own poems and see if they include them. If they don't, try writing some!