When composing a Rondel?

Question

Does the rhyme have to be perfect?

Specifically, I'm using (or can I use?) home and town as the last 2 'rhyming' words of the refrain.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Of course, your refrains must be identical, but as regards other rhymes, slant rhymes are an acceptable alternative.  End rhyme is only one of the many sounds of poetry, and if you need to make specific dictional choices because they improve the quality of key syntactical units, then by all means feel no obligation to make lines chime.  Best wishes on your rondel; they are great fun to compose.

Answer 2

You do not need perfect end rhyme. Assonance is acceptable.