Day 22 ~ “Synonym or Antonym Poem” for “30 Poems in 30 Days" #NationalPoetryMonth

Day 22 ~ “Synonym or Antonym Poem” for “30 Poems in 30 Days" #NationalPoetryMonth

Synonym and/or Antonym Poetry:

These are simple yet POWERFUL poems. They incorporate a couplet, are only three lines long (and the first line is ONLY a one-word title), and can really be quite profound.

INSTRUCTIONS:

LINE 1: Choose any word. Write that word in capital letters on the first line. (This is your title AND your opening line).

LINE 2: Choose around 3-5 synonyms OR antonyms and list them below your one-word first line, and they become your second line. If none come to mind, just look them up in a thesaurus or at "SYNONYMS" ~ a resource for synonyms AND antonyms. 

Remember ~ don’t just go off and list a bunch of adjectives about your subject (title) – these NEED to be EITHER all synonyms OR all antonyms of your title (or darn close), but “happy” and “creative” would not fit the bill. Does that make sense??

LINE 3: THEN, on the third line, come up with a descriptive phrase about the word. 

And yep, the ending words of both lines 2 & 3 need to rhyme. 

Here’s an example I wrote about 6 years ago that uses synonyms – I really like it:

IMMIGRANT
Pioneer, settler, foreigner, outsider, newcomer.
Welcome. I, too, walk to the beat of a different drummer.

                                                   © 2017 Stephanie Abney

 

And here are two examples that use antonyms: 

DISTRACTION

Observation, stillness, concentration, clarity, attention
The ability to see the big picture in its full dimension.

                                                                         © 2026 Stephanie Abney

(photo from Troy T on Unsplash)

DISCOURAGEMENT
Anticipation, elation, confidence, encouragement, hopefulness.
A change of perspective leads from sadness to happiness.

                                                © 2023 Stephanie Abney

Here are a few nifty, helpful online resources: 

https://www.synonyms.com/ ~ resource for)

"Rhyme Zone" ~ plug in a word, hit search and it kicks out a list of rhyming words (this one is the easiest to use, I think, because the other one gives you thousands of choices and that  that’s too long to sort through and can be overwhelming. So, whichever you like…

https://www.rhymezone.com/

"Rhymer" ~ pretty cool – even has six options on how to rhyme: end rhymes (rhyme ending words), last syllable rhymes, double rhymes (like walking/talking), triple rhymes (have the same vowel sounds in the third-to-last syllable and all following sounds (explanation, destination, imagination), beginning rhymes (scenery/cedar) and first syllable rhymes (carrot/caring).

https://www.rhymer.com/

 

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.

Day 21 ~ How to Write a “Tanka Poem” for “30 Poems in 30 Days" #NationalPoetryMonth

Day 21 ~ How to Write a “Tanka Poem” for “30 Poems in 30 Days" #NationalPoetryMonth

There are SO many clever short poems that we get from Japanese poetry. “Telling Tales with Tankas” ~ Today’s poem, a “Tanka,” has been called “The Grandmother of Haiku.” This is one of the oldest forms of poetry. It originated in Japan during the 7th century. Unlike the Haiku, which generally focuses on nature poems, Tanka poems allow for emotional expression and were often written by both men and women as private messages to their lovers. Tanka poems usually tell a short little story about love, a moment, an event, a feeling, etc.

INSTRUCTIONS:

A “Tanka” poem is an unrhymed Japanese poem consisting of five lines ~ actually, it’s kind of like some crazy “run-on” sentence, as only the first word of the first line is capitalized and the period goes at the end of the very last word of the last line, with no need for commas along the way.

Tanka is generally written in two parts or ideas. The first three lines are one part, and the last two lines are the second part; it's kind of the end result of the first three lines. (The first three lines tend to describe what happened, what was felt and/or feared, etc., while the last two lines tend to represent a resolution or lesson learned).

This poem is distinguished by the number of lines and syllables instead of rhyme. Please take care to COUNT the syllables in the poem you create and only use 5 lines. Tanka poems consist of 31 syllables in the following pattern:

Line 1 = 5 syllables

Line 2 = 7 syllables  

Line 3 = 5 syllables

Line 4 = 7 syllables
Line 5 = 7 syllables

Be sure to COUNT OUT your syllables so you get it right. This is a poetry form, not free verse, so we follow the instructions. J Here is that handy little syllable counter if you need it: SYLLABLE COUNTER https://www.howmanysyllables.com/syllable_counter/

 

You will probably have to go back and manually turn the beginning of each line back into a lowercase letter, as your word program is going to want to capitalize the first letter of each line.

 

And here are a couple of examples of a Tanka poem (actually, the first is an older one that I revised today):

 

“Timing of Posts is EVERYTHING”

 

Feel invisible

even when among my “friends”

I say clever things

but no one responds to them

darn those Facebook algorithms.

 

© 2026 Stephanie Abney

 

(A Tanka poem doesn’t really need a title; up to you)

 

 

I pause at day’s end
and reflect on my blessings
I lead a charmed life
a grandchild climbs on my lap
that is all the proof I need.

 

                                © 2022 Stephanie Abney

    

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 ~ 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.

 

Day 20 ~ How to write a Cinquain Poem (pattern 2) for #NationalPoetryMonth ~ “30 poems in 30 days”

Day 20 ~ How to write a Cinquain Poem (pattern 2) for #NationalPoetryMonth ~ “30 poems in 30 days”

Ok, once again, Cinq is French for FIVE ~ this poem has five lines that follow a specific pattern, same as yesterday, EXCEPT . . . today we are counting WORDS and NOT syllables. Easy, right?

 

1^st line ~ one word – the subject (or title) of your poem

2^nd line ~ two words that describe the title/subject

3^rd line ~ three words that express action

4^th line ~ four words that express a thought or feeling

5^th line ~ choose a one-word synonym for your single word from the line 1 title (restates your subject/title using a different word)

(Format it any way you wish, left adjusted or center it, etc., or maybe, however the Internet allows you to format it). LOL

 

Here’s an example I wrote today for Cinquain, pattern 2:

Poetry

Poetry Month

A time when

We hold space for

Creativity

 

© 2026 Stephanie Abney

 

 

Here’s an older one:

 

Heaven
Eternal Reward
Must get there
Loved ones are waiting
Home

 

© 2011 Stephanie Abney

 

 

 (AI-assisted illustration)

 

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.

Day 19 ~ How to write a Cinquain Poem (pattern 1) for #NationalPoetryMonth ~ “30 poems in 30 days”

Day 19 ~ How to write a Cinquain Poem (pattern 1) for #NationalPoetryMonth ~ “30 poems in 30 days”

I really love cinquain poetry. Depending on where you get your instructions, there are a few variations. I’ve narrowed it down to three. Some years I share all three variations in one post, but I like them well enough that I’m going to share them one variation at a time, starting with the version I call “pattern one.”

Cinq is French for FIVE ~ this poem has five lines that follow a specific pattern, each line has its own purpose: title/subject, describe subject, express ACTION, then share a thought or feeling, and at the end, you will restate your title using a different word(s), with only a two-syllable count. DETAILS of how it goes are below in yellow.

This short five-lined poem doesn’t have an actual title; rather, the FIRST line (two syllables in this case) becomes the title.

It does not need to rhyme, and in this version, you count the number of SYLLABLES per line and each line has specific requirements. The first line has 2 syllables; each line increases by 2 syllables until the last line, which returns to 2 syllables.

RESIST the urge to add words - follow the pattern - you'll be surprised at your results!!

1^st line ~ two syllables – the subject (or title) of your poem ~ either two one-syllable words or one two-syllable word

2^nd line ~ four syllables that describe the title/subject

3^rd line ~ six syllables that express action

4^th line ~ eight syllables that express a thought or feeling

5^th line ~ two syllables that show a synonym for the title (restates your subject using a different word)

Here are some of my poems as examples of a cinquain poem (pattern 1). These are from years past, but remain a few of my favorites:

Comfort
Feeling secure
Where judgment has no place
Wrapped in the safety of your arms
Husband

                  © 1998 Stephanie Abney

 

Children
A gift from God
Grace our lives for a time
Remain in our hearts forever
Precious

                 © 1999 Stephanie Abney  

 

Poems
Feelings expressed
From down deep in my heart
So you know who I am, I’ll sing
Word Songs
 

            © 2011 Stephanie Abney

 

Let’s create some cinquain (pattern one) poems!!

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.

Day 18 ~ How to write a “Wishing Poem” for #NationalPoetryMonth ~ "30 poems in 30 days"

Day 18 ~ How to write a “Wishing Poem” for #NationalPoetryMonth ~ "30 poems in 30 days"

Everyone has been sharing such great poems in our poetry FB group and elsewhere online, as a result of this annual poetry challenge. So, today, on a busy Saturday – let’s make a wish!! Cheers!

There are so many varieties of “wishing poems” that, basically, today’s poems will most likely end up as free verse. OR, use any poetry format we have used this year or previous years to define your wishing poem.

Typically, they will start with the two words, “I wish. . .” but as long as it is about wishing and the word wish appears at least once, you will have written a wishing poem.

If you want to do a search for “wishing poems,” you will find so many and such a variety, but it might be fun to do so to help you get started, or maybe you already have an idea of where you want to go with this.

This is one of MANY wishing poetry suggestion sites: https://poemsworld.net/poems-about-wishes/

Here’s your free rein to do it your way. Cheers!!

 (Photo by Lori DeJong on Unsplash)

 

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.

Day 17 ~ How to Write a Haiku Poem for #NationalPoetryMonth “30 Poems in 30 Days”

Day 17 ~ How to Write a Haiku Poem for #NationalPoetryMonth “30 Poems in 30 Days”

Today is National Haiku Day

That’s why I waited until today to use Haiku as our poetry challenge. Pretty much everyone knows how to write one, but here are some interesting details . . .

Haiku is a popular and well-known form of poetry that started in Japan in the sixteenth century.

It usually centers on a nature theme, but you can make one up about anything.

Haiku poems don’t rhyme, but they do follow a pattern.

They are very short, structured poems with three lines and 17 syllables in total. The lines in a haiku follow a set pattern: 

 

Line 1: 5 syllables

Line 2: 7 syllables

Line 3: 5 syllables

 

So remember to use your syllable counter! Cheers!!
https://syllablecounter.net/count

 

Today’s haiku, inspired by my busiest and best title:
#NationalHaikuDay #Haiku #GrandmasTaxi

 

I wear many hats,
Wife, mom, sister, friend, and more,
Grandma’s taxi—fav!

© 2026 Stephanie Abney         

                [“AI-assisted illustration”]

I’ve written many Haikus in my lifetime, but this one remains my favorite . . .

Golden ball of fire
Slips behind the horizon
A desert goodnight
 

                        © 2014 Stephanie Abney

  (Photo courtesy of Bob Murray of Scottsdale, AZ - used with permission)

 

 

Here’s another:

A soft, gentle breeze
Tickles leaves in my front yard
And I know He’s there.

             © 2011 Stephanie Abney

 

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.

Day 16 ~ How to Write a Tyburn Poem for “30 poems in 30 days" #NationalPoetryMonth

Day 16 ~ How to Write a Tyburn Poem for “30 poems in 30 days" #NationalPoetryMonth

You all have been doing great, so how about a doozy of a challenge today? OK, excellent! Hold onto your hats!! Woozier! This is beyond tricky, but I think y’all can have lots of fun with it. I’ve only used this format a few times. It really makes you think to create it. (OH, and if this discourages you – that is NOT my desire – just write any poem you choose and COME BACK TOMORROW because tomorrow is National Haiku Day and we will be writing some Haiku poetry). BUT today, I hope you will give this one a shot. It really stretches your skills as poets and writers (and thinkers). So . . .

Tyburn poems are deceiving in that to look at a completed poem, it appears simple enough. Yeah, right! But it’s a good writing exercise. I’ve tried to explain it step by step and even created a little chart to help you out. Plus there are a couple of websites that help with description and rhyming that I think you will find useful.(And below I have created a little chart to help you out).

Here we go:

We are back to counting syllables and lines. This is a SIX-LINE poem and the first 4 lines are EACH a SINGLE DESCRIPTIVE WORD with TWO SYLLABLES, that all RHYME and make sense together. Phew!! We’re not done . . .

The last two lines (5 & 6) are EACH NINE SYLLABLES LONG, and Line 5 incorporates the first two of the words of the poem while Line 6 incorporates the next two of the words of the poem IN A SPECIFIC PLACE.

Line 5 will have 4 syllables (any word count, just FOUR syllables) and then the repeated words from lines 1 and 2 and then . . .

Line 6 has 4 syllables (any word count, just FOUR syllables) and then the repeated words from lines 3 and 4 . . .

AND then each line ENDS with just ONE word – with only ONE syllable and they have to rhyme with each other (but do not need to rhyme with lines 1-4).

So, if you choose a word that ends in “y” to start off your poem – they will all probably need to end in “y” and if you choose an “ing” ending word, then they will all need to end with “ing” (that’s just for lines 1-4). Better look at the examples AND the chart!

You can give this poem a title if you wish.

I know you can do it!! Cheers!!

Here is an example I found on the web – it’s rather light-hearted and cute:

PEANUT BUTTER

Nutty,

Sticky,

Crunchy,

Tasty,

Peanut butter, nutty, sticky spread

With jellied bread, crunchy, tasty fed

                                       © 2016 Charles Sides  

Handy little site to find some “Describing Words” ~ https://describingwords.io/ ~ just plug the word you want to describe and then click the search button.

This site not only helps you find rhyming words, but it separates them into 1 syllable words, 2 syllable words, etc. https://www.rhymer.com/ - RHYMER

This poetry form can be labor-intensive – but following the process creates such a great little poem. But, please forgive me if I don’t write new examples this year. I’ve got SO much on my plate right now.

Okay, here is my first one:

Poetry

 

Lyric

Cryptic

Magic

Epic

Poetry month, lyric, cryptic, jots

Share emotions, magic, epic thoughts

                                    © 2019 Stephanie Abney

 

Hope this little chart that I created proves helpful ~

And after my second example, below the chart, I outline, step-by-step, my thought process in writing one of my examples: Maybe that will help as well.

 

# of syllables per line	Rhyming pattern	Meter & where to repeat words	Hints of what should be used per line
2	A	aa	One word adjective with 2 syllables
2	A	bb	Different one word adjective with 2 syllables
2	A	cc	Different one word adjective with 2 syllables
2	A	dd	Different one word adjective with 2 syllables
9	B	xxxxaabbB	Any four syllables then aa, bb, single syllable word
9	B	xxxxccddB	Any four syllables then cc, dd, single syllable word

Tyburn Poetic Form Chart © 2019 Stephanie Abney

Here is my second one:

Satan

Cunning

Lying

Cheating

Tempting

Heartless trickster, cunning, lying, doled

Flattering lies, cheating, tempting, cold

                                                © 2019 Stephanie Abney

My “thought process” while I tried to figure it out: So, first I made a list of some adjectives (“ing” words) – more than I needed and then another list that could be used in lines 5 & 6 – then I started playing around with it, crossed off the words I didn’t want to use, which left me with 4 descriptive words and then I created lines 5 & 6, incorporating the words from lines 1 & 2 and lines 3 & 4, respectively:

Satan

Cunning

Charming

Lying

Raging

Cheating

Sneaking

Tempting

 

Words to possibly use in lines 5 & 6: Crafty, jealous, avenging, heartless, destructive, destroy, destroying, bitter, conniving, flatter, flattery, cowardly, trickster, tricking, tricky, malicious, deceitful, cold, sneaky, creepy, creep, reap, reaper, damned, persistent, tenacious, dangerous, rob, steal, louse, angry, anger

And I posted the finished product from this effort just under the chart.

READY? Go try this one out!! 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 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.