The prevalence of rhyme in the evolution of poetic speech is of great importance. Rhyme , assimilated by the harmoniously combined with the much older and broadly used fifteen-syllable-iambic verse (consisting of two half verses of 8 and 7 syllables Respectively) resulted in the famous "mantinada" which is the prevalent poetic form in the songs of the islands. It is a musical and poetic form of verse in which the rhyming couplets encourage the musical or poetic improvisation , thus contributing to the continuation of traditional music ,through a constant renewal.
   Poetic improvisation using mantinadas is still taking place in several islands (among which are Carpathos, Crete Cyprus) and it sometimes takes the form of the poetic contest during a fest , where the singers answer to each other and complement each other.In some places the mantnada has evolved into a true way of thinking to such an extent that the everyday speech and writing (i.e. letter writing, newspapers) are being expressed in rhyming couplets.
   A good mantinada , although limited in size , is a poetic construction with o complete notional content , consisting of an introduction., main theme and resolution (including the insertion , elaboration and consummation of subject ) in an expressively condensed formulation .A good mantinada manages to register , in just two verses , integrated opinions, convictions and events concerning the whole society and so is able to last through time, aided by everyday practice and with help of mnemoric rules developed by the islanders today the mantinada is more prevalent over the older narrative forms of island song.