Stephanie Says So

Monday, April 13, 2026

Day 13 ~ How to Write a “Brevette Poem” for #NationalPoetryMonth ~ “30 Poems in 30 Days”

So this LOOKS simple – THREE WORDS? Yeah, but it can be tricky ~ The Brevette ~ check it out!! It is especially tricky for me because I struggle with brevity! Titles are not required, but you may add one if you wish. I suggest underlining any titles to set them off from your 3-line Brevette poem.

ONLY THREE WORDS? Yikes!!

There are a FEW particulars to this poetry form created by Emily Romano. Here’s a little grammar for you – I know you love it – this poem consists of TWO NOUNS & a VERB:

LINE 1: a subject (noun)

LINE 2: a verb (the verb has a space between each letter: v e r b)

LINE 3: an object (noun)

They need to STAY in that exact order, and yeah, there is ONE MORE THING!! In order for the verb to show an ongoing action, it is spaced out, letter by letter. [That is a REQUIREMENT for the Brevette poetry form].

Whether or not you include a title is up to you, but otherwise, there is NO punctuation, and all words are lower case ~ I tried to use a larger font for the poems to make it easier to see that the verb HAS A SPACE between each letter!!

THREE WORDS – don’t be adding “helping verbs” or “articles” – that’s cheating. Coming up with a subject and an object for the nouns is surprisingly difficult. Seriously, this is trickier than it seems. So, here are quite a few examples, some better than others, and you can see I wrote these years ago – too tired to try new ones, but let’s see what y’all come up with!!! Cheers!!

Example #1: (no title)

rainbow
r a d i a t e s
spectrum

Example #2:

“Knotted Strings”

patience
u n t a n g l e s
knots

Example #3:

“Never Give Up”

dreams
c o m e
true

Example #4:

“Crying”

eyes

l e a k
tears

Example #5:

“Keep Believing”

dreams

f o l l o w
passion

(Image by kalhh from Pixabay)

PLEASE REMEMBER ~ any poetry found on this blog, written by me, is my personal property and may not be used without my permission, other than sharing it as an example in a lesson or to read it to someone. The same goes for any poems that are shared in the comments of this blog or elsewhere online as a result of this challenge. They are the creative property of the person who writes them. These poems are their original work, and no one may use them without their permission. It is understood that they own the copyright to them as soon as they post them. Thanks so much!

Also, if you choose to post your poems on your own blog ~ that’s awesome. But PLEASE don’t just copy and paste my daily instructions, but rather post your poem on your blog or your FB wall or wherever AND LINK BACK TO THIS BLOG POST for others to come here to read the instructions. I’ve spent considerable time researching the poetry forms and writing them up to share with you. Thanks for respecting my work and the creative work of others.

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Day 12 ~ How to write a “Senses Poem” for #NationalPoetryMonth 30 Poems in 30 Days. Cheers!!

So, basically, this “Senses Poem” seems like a simple, forthright poem. BUT it is open to several variations that can keep you busy with it for quite some time!! You can have lots of fun with this poem. There is no need to worry about rhyming or counting syllables, although it does have other requirements (basically to “fill in the blanks”), and it can be pulled together in several ways – try each of them, if you wish, or choose just one way to share your poems.

So first, everyone is familiar with the “FIVE SENSES” ~ sight, smell, hear, touch, and taste.

But many have argued that there are SIX SENSES if you consider your mind ("I think") as one of the senses.

Hence, we are writing a FIVE SENSES and/or SIX SENSES POEM today!! Cheers!!

I’ve added quite a bit of other information at the end because I LOVE the result of removing the articles and some of the unnecessary verbs (look at my final example to get the idea I’m trying to share with you).

Choose a topic and describe it using each of your six senses, one per line.

Here is a SIX SENSES format to follow, BUT feel free to rearrange the order of the various senses you use to describe your object/topic.

  I 1. I see ______________
2.    I smell _
3.    I hear _
4.    I feel (as in touch)
5.    I taste
6.    I think ____________

Now, if you want to concentrate on the FIVE SENSES, you can change “I see” to "It looks like," etc.

1. It looks like (instead of I see) _________________

2. It smells like _______________________________

3. It sounds like (instead of I hear) _______________

4. It feels like _________________________________

5. It tastes like ________________________________

So, you CAN just leave it like it is once you fill in the blanks (in any order using either five or six senses) and remove the numbers; you don’t need those. That will give you a great poem by just doing that.

OR you can remove most of the PRONOUNS, VERBS, and ARTICLES and get a new effect.

Think of a special place. Form an image in your mind of this place. Then complete the following statements.

Here’s one example, taken step-by-step.

(I grew up in Southern California and would go to the beach every chance I got) . . .

First – fill in the blanks:

1. I see ______________ the breaking waves

2. I smell _____________ the seaweed-tinged air

3. I hear ______________ the seagulls squawking overhead

4. I feel (as in touch) ____ the wet sand squishing between my toes

5. I taste ______________ the salty ocean water

6. I think ______________ I’m back in my childhood heaven

OK, so if I remove the line numbers and get rid of the lines, it turns out like this:

I see the breaking waves
I smell the seaweed-tinged air
I hear the seagulls squawking overhead
I feel the wet sand squishing between my toes
I taste the salty ocean water
I think I’m back in my childhood heaven

© 2017 Stephanie Abney

And that makes a nice poem BUT, if I remove most of the pronouns, verbs, and articles, then I get this one; also a very nice poem:

breaking waves
seaweed-tinged air
seagulls squawking overhead
wet sand squishing between my toes
salty ocean water
my childhood heaven

And that makes a new version of the same poem, and it’s pretty cool as well.

OR you can use the other format with the FIVE senses and follow the same steps; fill in the blanks, then take away the numbers and even remove the pronouns, select verbs and articles, and see what you get:

1. It looks like (instead of I see) _________________

2. It smells like _______________________________

3. It sounds like (instead of I hear) _______________

4. It feels like _________________________________

5. It tastes like ________________________________

So, there are a few different ways to approach this type of poem. Enjoy!!

PLEASE REMEMBER ~ any poetry found on this blog, written by me, is my personal property and may not be used without my permission, other than sharing it as an example in a lesson or to read it to someone. The same goes for any poems that are shared in the comments of this blog or elsewhere online as a result of this challenge. They are the creative property of the person who writes them. These poems are their original work, and no one may use them without their permission. It is understood that they own the copyright to them as soon as they post them. Thanks so much!

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Day 11 ~ How to Write a Dodoitsu Poem for "30 poems in 30 days" #NationalPoetryMonth

Everyone seemed to enjoy the Lantern Poem, so let’s do another Japanese poetry form, the Dodoitsu!!

Like many Japanese poetry styles, this one focuses on counting syllables – but not the same three lines of 5,7,5 syllables as the Haiku. This one is DIFFERENT ~

Here’s a bit of background: Dodoitsu poems appeared around the late 1860s. They were favored by working-class citizens. The name’s translation is basically, “quickly, city to city.” Some say that it refers to the ease with which they were passed along. The Dodoitsu has even been called the “Japanese limerick” as most revolved around love, work, and daily life, from a humorous perspective; so, as a general rule, they did not explore deep thoughts. But rather, they were used as a way to record those off-the-wall funny moments in one’s day. I have a dear friend often incorporates poems into her daily journal as they usually reflect her day. See what you come up with.

Here is the format:

FOUR LINES: (only counting syllables – no rhyming required, nor excluded . . . just whatever).

The first 3 lines ALL HAVE SEVEN SYLLABLES.

And the 4th line has FIVE SYLLABLES.

That’s it ~ simple, right? 7, 7, 7, 5. Give it a try. Write as many as suits your fancy today.

Here are a few examples:

Watching my grandson, Alex

Today we watched a movie

Last time we just played games

Always a good time

Taught the boys to do some math

They groaned about it so much

So now they have to shout out:

We love math! Love math!

I love my grandkids so much

They are so entertaining

They melt my heart with a smile

Yes, come stay a while

Friday, April 10, 2026

Day 10 ~ How to Write a “Lantern Poem” for “30 Poems in 30 Days” #NationalPoetryMonth

There are so many lovely little Japanese poetry forms out there, and most are quick and fun to do. Just like this one. It’s called a "Lantern Poem."

A lantern poem is a five-line poem that somewhat resembles the shape of a Japanese lantern when completed. Please note that each line is specific in what the word(s) should be describing, and then also note the number of syllables per line. These poems do NOT have titles – the first line is basically the title.

The Pattern is:

Line 1: noun (one syllable) [this also serves as your title]

Line 2: describe the noun (two syllables)

Line 3: describe the noun (three syllables)

Line 4: describe the noun (four syllables)

Line 5: synonym for noun in line one (one syllable)

(Be aware, if you try posting these on FB, the formatting usually messes up, and you lose the lantern pattern. You can get creative, putting it onto a background and saving it and then posting, if you are that ambitious)

Here’s one I wrote today:

       Love
      Always
      Forever
Non-judgmental
         You

If you are looking for some inspiration, April 10^th is: National Farm Animals Day, National Sibling Day, and my personal favorite: National Safety Pin Day! LOL

For what it’s worth, here are a couple of Lantern poems I wrote during the pandemic:

      Work
       PJs
    Every day
‘Til further notice
       Home

Love
Husband
Companion
Together always
Jim

YOUR TURN!!

(Photo credit: DianaWolfskin at Pixabay)

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Day 9 ~ How to Write a “Windspark Poem” for #NationalPoetryMonth and "30 poems in 30 days"

This is a rather simple little 5-line poem with very specific guidelines. Its simplicity is its beauty. This is also an easy and fun poetic form to use with children.

Line 1 ~ “I dreamed” (that’s it – ONLY write “I dreamed” and do not add anything)

Line 2 ~ “I was a/the _______” (you fill in the blank, generally a one-word noun)

Line 3 ~ where/location (keep it short: in the … on a … at the …) wherever

Line 4 ~ action (use an “ing” verb with just a few more words to describe the action)

Line 5 ~ adverb (use only ONE word – an adverb with a “ly” ending)

Here are a few examples:

I dreamed
I was a butterfly
In a garden
Dancing in the wind
Gracefully

I dreamed
I was organized
At home
Finding what I need
Easily

I dreamed
I was the sun
High in the sky
Watching over the world
Regally

I dreamed
I was a child
In my mother’s womb
Waiting to arrive
Anxiously

Okay, your turn!! Whatcha’ got?

(photo by Stephanie Abney at Butterfly World, Scottsdale, AZ)

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Day 8 ~ How to write a “5 W’s Poem” for “30 poems in 30 days” for #NationalPoetryMonth

Here’s a favorite poetry form called “The 5 W’s Poem.” It’s incredibly easy and super fun. If you’ve done it before, you already know that, and if not, you are in for a surprise.

The 5 W's Poem

This is an obvious poem. It can be sweet, silly, romantic, or serious, etc., depending on how you respond to each line. Since you are basically just answering questions, it’s a very simple poem to enjoy. It can be about anything.

This poem answers the 5 W’s: Who, What, Where, When & Why.

The only question of this nature that it does not address is “How.”

These poems do not need to rhyme, nor are the lines any particular length, meter, or subject. So, it’s a pretty simple poetry form to follow, but each line has a very specific purpose, so please note the order below:

Line 1: Who (or what) is the poem about?

Line 2: What action is happening?

Line 3: Where does the action take place?

Line 4: When does the action take place?

Line 5: Why does this action happen?

There is no need for a title to this poem because the first line tells what it is about and serves as the title as well as part of the poem:

EXAMPLES from past participants, used with permission:

My children
Laughing, wrestling, creating
Tumble through the living room
Every day after school
Because they feel safe and loved

A certain 17-year-old I know
Questions everything.
At home, at school, at church,
When he doesn't understand.
Because that's what people do who want to change the world.

Our loving Heavenly Father
Prepared a plan of Happiness,
In the heavens,
Before the world was,
So we could return and live with Him.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Day 7 ~ How to write a “Tan-Renga” Poem for “30 poems in 30 days” for #NationalPoetryMonth

This is quite a fun poetry from – we’ve done it a few times before. But I like it, so here ya’ go:

OK, so don’t freak out, but you’ll need to grab a partner because we are going to write a “Tan-Renga,” which is a Japanese poem of collaboration. It’s fun, really. Here’s the thing – you will need to find someone to write this (SHORT – 5 line) poem with. Even if you live alone, you can find someone. It can be done together, in person, or over the phone, or via text, or email, or whatever works for you. Your partner in writing this poem can be a spouse, a child, a neighbor, a friend; heck, it can be your mail carrier – just someone other than yourself needs to help write this poem.

This is basically a Tanka poem (which we do most years so it’s still probably to come) BUT with one catch ~ one person writes the first three lines (I’ll review the pattern for a Tanka poem below – it’s only 5 lines) and the second person finishes off the poem with the last two lines, almost as if in response to your first three lines.

The name, Tan-Renga (from Japanese), translates as "short linked poem" or "short connecting poem."

Here is a Tanka in a nutshell. Rhyming doesn’t even enter in. The only concern is the number of syllables per line: 5, 7, 5, 7, 7 . . . but for this style, it matters who writes which lines, as follows:

Line 1 = 5 syllables (1^st person writes)

Line 2 = 7 syllables (1^st person writes)

Line 3 = 5 syllables (1^st person writes)

Line 4 = 7 syllables (2^nd person writes)

Line 5 = 7 syllables (2^nd person writes)

So, 9 years ago, I grabbed my husband, Jim, to write this Tan-Renga with me ~ I wrote the first three lines, and he responded with the last two lines, and together we came up with this:

Our life together

Has had a few learning curves

The highs and the lows

Giving, growing, and loving

We have become companions

Since he is wisely asleep at this hour (about 2 am Tuesday morning), I can’t have him help me write another one right now – but we might do it again later, and then I can come back and add it or share it on my FB National Poetry Month group. Cheers!!

PLEASE REMEMBER ~ any poetry found on this blog, written by me, is my personal property and may not be used without my permission, other than sharing it as an example in a lesson or to read it to someone. The same goes for any poems that are shared in the comments of this blog or elsewhere online as a result of this challenge. They are the creative property of the person who writes them. These poems are their original work, and no one may use them without their permission. It is understood that they own the copyright to them as soon as they create them, and especially once they post them. Thanks so much!

*** Also, if you choose to post your poems on your own blog or elsewhere on social media ~ that’s awesome. But PLEASE don’t just copy and paste my daily instructions, but rather post your poem on your blog or your FB wall or wherever AND LINK BACK TO EACH DAY’S SPECIFIC BLOG POST for others to come here to read the instructions. I’ve spent considerable time researching the poetry forms and writing them up to share with you. Thanks for respecting my work.

Monday, April 6, 2026

Day 6 ~ How to Write a Pensee Poem for #NationalPoetryMonth and "30 Poems in 30 Days"

I really love this poetry form. If you have been participating for a while, you will probably recognize it. I used it every year when I was teaching. It’s such a fun format! Give it a try.

You may follow the pattern in the box below to write about any subject you wish, but please read the requirements per each line carefully.

The “Pensee Poem” is a five-line structured poem that does NOT rhyme. HOWEVER, each line has a required topic and a specific number of syllables. “Pensee” is a French word that means “a reflection or thought.”

The thing to watch out for is to follow the pattern, including WHAT should be expressed on each line, using a SPECIFIC number of syllables ~

I used the last column to “fill in the blanks” with the following example:

Line	Pattern	Example
Line 1	Subject (2 syllables)	Ice cream
Line 2	Description (4 syllables)	Cold, smooth, and sweet
Line 3	Action (7 syllables)	Makes its way to my tummy
Line 4	Setting (8 syllables)	At the end of a trying day
Line 5	Final thought (6 syllables)	All is right with the world.

Ice cream
Cold, smooth, and sweet
Makes its way to my tummy
At the end of a trying day
All is right with the world

[Ice cream photo: Pixabay image by Aline Ponce]

Loved ones
Dear to my heart
Joyfully come together
At my daughter's home for Easter
I lead a charmed life

YOUR TURN!! Make EVERY effort to be precise in what each line is ABOUT and how many SYLLABLES are needed for each line, otherwise you will not end up with a true Pensee Poem. 😊 Cheers!!

Stephanie Says So

Monday, April 13, 2026

Day 13 ~ How to Write a “Brevette Poem” for #NationalPoetryMonth ~ “30 Poems in 30 Days”

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Day 12 ~ How to write a “Senses Poem” for #NationalPoetryMonth 30 Poems in 30 Days. Cheers!!

I 1. I see ______________
2.    I smell _
3.    I hear _
4.    I feel (as in touch)
5.    I taste
6.    I think ____________

1. It looks like (instead of I see) _________________

© 2017 Stephanie Abney

breaking waves
seaweed-tinged air
seagulls squawking overhead
wet sand squishing between my toes
salty ocean water
my childhood heaven

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Day 11 ~ How to Write a Dodoitsu Poem for "30 poems in 30 days" #NationalPoetryMonth

Friday, April 10, 2026

Day 10 ~ How to Write a “Lantern Poem” for “30 Poems in 30 Days” #NationalPoetryMonth

Love
      Always
      Forever
Non-judgmental
         You

Work
       PJs
    Every day
‘Til further notice
       Home

Love
Husband
Companion
Together always
Jim

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Day 9 ~ How to Write a “Windspark Poem” for #NationalPoetryMonth and "30 poems in 30 days"

I dreamed
I was organized
At home
Finding what I need
Easily

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Day 8 ~ How to write a “5 W’s Poem” for “30 poems in 30 days” for #NationalPoetryMonth

A certain 17-year-old I know
Questions everything.
At home, at school, at church,
When he doesn't understand.
Because that's what people do who want to change the world.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Day 7 ~ How to write a “Tan-Renga” Poem for “30 poems in 30 days” for #NationalPoetryMonth

Monday, April 6, 2026

Day 6 ~ How to Write a Pensee Poem for #NationalPoetryMonth and "30 Poems in 30 Days"

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Stephanie Says So

Monday, April 13, 2026

Sunday, April 12, 2026

I 1. I see ____________________________2. I smell ___________________________3. I hear ___________________________4. I feel (as in touch) __________________5. I taste ____________________________6. I think ____________________________

1. It looks like (instead of I see) _________________

© 2017 Stephanie Abney

breaking wavesseaweed-tinged airseagulls squawking overheadwet sand squishing between my toessalty ocean watermy childhood heaven

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Friday, April 10, 2026

Love Always ForeverNon-judgmental You

Work PJs Every day‘Til further notice Home

Love Husband CompanionTogether always Jim

Thursday, April 9, 2026

I dreamedI was organizedAt homeFinding what I needEasily

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

A certain 17-year-old I knowQuestions everything.At home, at school, at church, When he doesn't understand.Because that's what people do who want to change the world.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Monday, April 6, 2026

Search This Blog

Follow Me on Pinterest

About the Books I Review

Total Pageviews

About Me

Followers

Blog Archive

BLOG AWARD

I 1. I see ______________
2. I smell _
3. I hear _
4. I feel (as in touch)
5. I taste
6. I think ____________

breaking waves
seaweed-tinged air
seagulls squawking overhead
wet sand squishing between my toes
salty ocean water
my childhood heaven

Love
Always
Forever
Non-judgmental
You

Work
PJs
Every day
‘Til further notice
Home

Love
Husband
Companion
Together always
Jim

I dreamed
I was organized
At home
Finding what I need
Easily

A certain 17-year-old I know
Questions everything.
At home, at school, at church,
When he doesn't understand.
Because that's what people do who want to change the world.