A clue-line verse is basically a riddle where each line of the poem supplies a clue about the keyword that provides the underlying theme.
The clue is usually a preponderance of letters, obvious alliteration, or a repeated pattern within the line.
Rhymed couplets of unspecified meter provide the form of the verse.
Here is an example:

Its inception in Italy is quite sound;
Varied letters, vying in value, abound.
Exact rules exist to execute the scheme
Lest lapses in logic lessen its esteem.
Choose an abacus to calculate the score;
Don’t depend on digits to add and do more.
Making mark called “vinculum” means multiply;
One thousand times the value it should supply.

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The answer to the riddle is
I V X L C D M, the Roman numerals in order of increasing value.