Whittled Words – Cinquain Poem
Welcome to the weekly series, Whittled Words. A series highlighting the innumerable types and styles of poetry to challenge any creative wordsmith. This week’s selection:
CINQUAIN POEM
I love playing with poetic forms, especially when the rules aren’t so complicated that I have trouble keeping up with the technical issues of the poem. I cannot tell you how many times I have struggled with the final stanzas of a longer form poem.
So, I’m happy to share the cinquain, which is a nifty five-line poetic form from Adelaide Crapsey. Inspired by tanka, the cinquain is comprised of 2 syllables in the first line, 4 in the second line, 6 in the third, 8 in the fourth, and 2 in the fifth. Plus, poets have the freedom to add or subtract one syllable from each line. That’s a lot of freedom for such a small poem, which makes this form a joy to write and explore.
Examples of Cinquain Poems:
THE ONLY SECRET
by Toni Joell
You wait
curled in my dreams,
clutched to the edge of my
darkest desires. Why do you still
haunt me?
NEW HOUSE GUEST
by Cin5456
Kitten
nipping at my
toes or tangled in the
curtains. Welcome little one, my
precious.
BUSTED
by Laurie Kolp
Midnight,
Lucy’s curfew –
curbside parting kisses.
Upstairs, spying little brother
giggles.
LOVER
by Cindy M
Kiss me
Darling I can’t
Live without you here now
Your absence, a void in my heart
Unfilled
TOUCH
by Brad Osborne
Your touch
Close and caring
Expression beyond words
Action replaces oration
Say less
MONK’S LIFE
by Brad Osborne
No need
No luxury
Content with lesser wealth
Investing in a better self
Monk’s life
SEED
by Brad Osborne
The seed
A cocooned life
Waiting for earth and rain
To bring forth that which lies dormant
Nature
I hope you have enjoyed this entry to the series, Whittled Words. I look forward to your comments, and if you dare, maybe share your own Cinquain poem. Thanks for reading!
Comments
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[…] [Cinquain poem]You razedOur villagesAnd my father was killedFrom my people’s gruesome carnageYou’ll pay! […]
commonsensiblyspeaking 
You’re a very talented poet 💖
Awww….😘!
seems like a fun style; enjoyed your versions of cinquain. your reference to monks reminds me of my recent visit to Bangkok – I never saw so many monks!
It is a different world there, and I am so glad you are enjoying the beauty and culture! Be safe!
thanks, Brad!