Poetry Forms Handbook

Cinquain

There are several ways to write a cinquain, this entry will focus on one such method.

The cinquain is a 5 line poem, that usually doesn't rhyme. It was developed by Adelaide Crapsey. The syllable counts per line are as follows: 2,4,6,8,2

Line 1: Noun
Line 2: Description of Noun
Line 3: Action
Line 4: Feeling or Effect
Line 5: Synonym of the initial noun.

Example found here:

STATIC

Sorrow  (ASR) Cinquain for the Spring Writing Jamboree #2190379 by IceSkatingSugarCube

Sorrow
Sadness with wings
Begging, pleading with God
Heart in shreds, fine tender threads of
regret.