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

 

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

© 2026 Stephanie Abney

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

                        © 2020 Stephanie Abney

 

     Love
  Husband
 Companion
Together always
       Jim

                         © 2020 Stephanie Abney

 

YOUR TURN!!

 

(Photo credit: DianaWolfskin at 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.