Cinquain Poetry
Cinquain poetry is something like a puzzle. it was developed by a NY poet (1878 - 1914). This form has some things in common with the
Adelaide Crapsey,
a NY poet (1878 - 1914). This form has some things in common with the
haiku.
However, aside from the fact that it holds to a very specific form and that it is NOT supposed to rhyme, it is very different. Haiku poems are supposed to be about one of the four seasons, and written in the present tense. Read more about
Haiku Rules.
These rules do not apply to cinquain poetry. Here are the basis Cinquain Poetry Rules: 1.Each poem is composed of five lines. "Cinq" translate to "five" in French. That is the origin of the word "Cinquain."
2. Each line has a prescribed number of syllables -- not words. For example, the word, syllable, is one word and three syllables.
3. This is the order of syllable number for each line:
2 4 6 8 2
The best way to understand Cinquain Poetry is to experience a few examples. The first Cinquain Poem is "Shih Tzu." It is about my new little dog, Bettina. We adopted her from a shelter to keep our dog, Harley, company. My husband and I like her too. : ) She is a bundle of personality, and is very affectionate and cuddly. This is a good thing, for as you will see in the Cinquain poem below, she also has flaws.
Shih Tzu Shih Tzu Fluffy small dog Worked her way in my heart Even though she poops in the house. Sometimes.
by Denise Rodgers copyright@funny-poems-for-free.com all rights reserved
The second Cinquain Poetry example is "Cocker Spaniel." It is about Harley (pictured below), who we adopted about two years prior to Bettina (see above). He is affectionate -- but not nearly so much as the lap dog, Bettina. Fortunately, he does NOT share her nasty flaws. (No little gifts for me to scrub out of the carpet now and then.)
Cocker Spaniel The black Cocker spaniel Has lived with us longer Compared to her, he is so huge And neat.
by Denise Rodgers copyright@funny-poems-for-free.com all rights reserved
The next Cinquain Poem poses a question, and answer it as well. Please remember to count the syllablesin each line and notice the 2-4-6-8-2 pattern.
10 x 10 = ?
Smart you How much Is ten times ten? If you say one hundred, You are absolutely correct. Smart you!
by Denise Rodgers copyright@funny-poems-for-free.com all rights reserved
The next Cinquain Poem was written to honor the chair. Please read carefully and count every syllable. Also, please note my model is the ever-paitent Harley, impersonating me at my desk.
Sit Down Sit down. There is a chair, Or you can choose the floor. So long as you get off your feet. And sit.
by Denise Rodgers copyright@funny-poems-for-free.com all rights reserved
The next Cinquain Poetry example is about the sun. The forced pattern, in this case, made me put the words together in an unusual way.
Sunlight Sunlight Perfect yellow Streaming in my window Brightening up my whole house and My day.
by Denise Rodgers copyright@funny-poems-for-free.com all rights reserved
Now that you've had a chance to read a few Cinquain Poems, maybe you'd like to try your hand at writing a few of them yourself. Give it a chance. All it takes is paper, pen and a little time and imagination. Have fun! If you'd like to see more funny poems on many subject, please return from
Cinquain Poetry to our HOME PAGE.
Or you may go directly to
Haiku Poems,
Onomatopoeia Poems,
Funny Sonnets,
or
Ballads.

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