Day 21 2024 ~ 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 this year 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 for 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) or 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 a couple of my poems as examples of a cinquain poem, (pattern 1). These are from years past, but remain two of my favorites:

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

    © Stephanie Abney 1998

 

           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

   © Stephanie Abney 1999 

 

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.