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

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

        © 2017 Kaci Carlson

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.

        © 2017 Stacy Johnston

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

          © 2014 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 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.