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PANTOUM
The pantoum came to Europe via France from what is now present day Malaysia. Typically, each line is given twice within carefully defined constraints. Rhyme is optional but can be quite effective.
read an example of a pantoum
download a pantoum worksheet for writing a three-stanza pantoum rhymed ABAB
CINQUAIN
A cinquain is a short poem of five lines with:
2 syllables in line one
4 syllables in line two
6 syllables in line three
8 syllables in line four
2 syllables in line five
And perhaps a surprise in the last line.
read an example of a qinquain
QUATRAIN
A quatrain is a short poem of four lines, rhymed or un-rhymed. It can be composed
of two rhyming couplets and rhymed AABB. If rhymed ABAB, it may be called an alternating
quatrain.
read an example of an unrhymed quatrain
SENRYU
Senryu written in English are short poems of three lines with:
5 syllables in line one
7 syllables in line two
5 syllables in line three
Definitions vary and I do tend to take a fairly relaxed view of what constitutes a haiku or a senryu but mostly I follow the model that a senryu offers a commentary on some aspect of human nature. Senryu are usually presented free from capitals and punctuation. Senryu are supposed to be untitled, but this doesn't stop me not least for convenience in indexing.
read an example of a senryu
HAIKU
Haiku written in English are short poems of three lines with:
5 syllables in line one
7 syllables in line two
5 syllables in line three
read an example of a haiku
Mostly, I follow the model that a haiku has a natural theme and ideally should contain a contrast together with a (perhaps subtle) reference to one of the four seasons eg autumn leaves etc. Haiku are usually presented free from capitals and punctuation. Haiku are supposed to be untitled, but this doesn't stop me not least for convenience in indexing.
Haiku or a Senryu?
Here's a quirky little piece I threw together in 5-7-5 format, to illustrate the
difference between a haiku and a senryu.
so how do we tell
haiku or a senryu
see it in the fish
fish eat each other
if swimming in a haiku
all about nature
sun warms summer sea
cold blooded fish are alive
eating each other
but we eat the fish
swimming in a senryu
about our nature
rain falls on fish pond
little fish need not worry
soon be warm and dry
These are just brief introductions to some of the forms on this site. There's lots
about poetry forms out there on the Internet. I recommend the detailed guidance on
the Sol Magazine Website at http://sol-magazine-projects.org/sol/poetryforms.htm
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