Cinquain Examples

Cinquain Examples Cinquain A cinquain is a specific type of poem, created by Adelaide Crapsey. It has five lines, but they do not rhyme. Each line has a set number of syllables: Line 1-2 syllables Line 2-4 syllables Line 3-6 syllables Line 4-8 syllables Lines 5-2 syllables In the original form by Crapsey (American Cinquain), each of these lines was written in iambic pentameter-meaning they had lines with unstressed, stressed syllables alternating. There are some variations on the form. For example, the Didactic Cinquain has the following characteristics: Line 1-One word, also the title Line 2-Two adjectives that describe the word in line one Line 3-Three words that give more information about the subject. Line 4-Four words that show emotion about the subject-either individual words or a phrase/sentence Line 5-Synonym of the title or a word very similar to it. A cinquain typically has vivid imagery and is an attempt to express a specific mood or emotion. Examples of Cinquain: Didactic form: Strawberries Ripe, juicy Beckoning, Dripping, Biting A herald of springtime. Fruit Didactic form: Computer Cold, silent Thinking, Producing, Calculating Smarter than me, maybe? Unfeeling Triad by Adelaide Crapsey (American Cinquain) These be three silent things: The falling snow . . . the hour Before the dawn . . . the mouth of one Just dead. The Guarded Wound by Adelaide Crapsey (American Cinquain) If it Were lighter touch Than petal of flower resting On grass, oh still too heavy it were, Too heavy!