CINQUAIN

WHAT IS A CINQUAIN?

Cinquain is a form of 5 line poetry inspired by Tanka. It is fairly easy to write because being such a shot form, it also allows poets to make changes in the form. This 5 line poetry is soothing to read aloud due to the syllable counts. 

HOW TO WRITE A CINQUAIN?

~A Cinquain is a five line poem with a fixed number of syllables. The first line has 2, second line has 4, third line has 6, fourth line has 8 and the last line again has 2 syllables. 

~It also allows poets to subtract a syllable from each line to make the count 1-3-5-7-1.

No other short form of poetry gives poets so much freedom and this is thus, easy to write.

~Rhymes can be included in Cinquains to enhance the poem. 

EXAMPLE OF CINQUAIN:

PATCHED UP

                                                  ~Avaanthikha Narayan

Girlfriend

weeping over

starry eyes and a smile

reminiscing the sweet times with

boyfriend.

This poem has 5 lines with the correct syllable count as mentioned. The syllable count in this is 2-4-6-8-2. The first and last line could be repeated and made into a refrain too.

TIPS TO WRITE A CINQUAIN:

1. Keep in mind the change of syllables in each line and do not deter from the count. 

2. Rhymes can be used, as well as other poetic devices like alliteration, assonance, etc.

3. The first line and last line could be the same since they have the same syllable count. 

4. If you subtract one syllable from one line, it should be done with all lines. 

5. Use a catchy title that would immediately draw the reader in. 

Cinquains are a sweet form of poetry that make the reader feel the emotions in a few lines. But overloading it with emotions would make the reader too emotional. Do not put too less emotion in your lines because then, they would make the poem too dry. This applies to all forms of poetry. But now, you know about Cinquains! Spill some ink now!

~Avaanthikha Narayan

Team PoeTree FoRest