Spring Cinquains
Poetry Practice
What is a cinquain?
A cinquain is poetic form that uses a 5 line pattern. The word “Cinquain” comes
from the French word, cinq, meaning five.
There are several forms of Cinquains.
Classic cinquain
The best-known form of cinquain was created by Adelaide Crapsey, a poet who
wrote in the early 1900’s. This type of cinquain is similar to haiku in that both
formats are based on specific numbers of syllables.
Format Example
Triad
Line 1 2 syllables
These be
Line 2 4 syllables
Three silent things:
Line 3 6 syllables
The falling snow…the hour
Line 4 8 syllables
Before the dawn…the mouth of one
Line 5 2 syllables
Just dead.
Word cinquain
Another simpler form is often referred to as a “Word Cinquain.” In this case, the
form of the poem is based on word number rather than syllables.
Format Example
Example
Line 1 1 word
Dinosaurs
Line 2 2 words
Lived once,
Line 3 3 words
Long ago, but
Line 4 4 words
Only dust and dreams
Line 5 1 words
Remain
Title cinquain
A third form is sometimes referred to as a “Title/Synonym Cinquain.” In this case,
the form of the poem is based on a specific descriptive format.
Format Example
Example
Line 1 1 word, Title
Redwood
Line 2 2 words, Description of the title (Two adjectives)
Tall, green
Line 3 3 words, Some action about the title (Three –ing
words)
growing, reaching, standing
Line 4 4 words, Feeling about the title (or a phrase)
Line 5: 1 word, Synonym for the title
Witness to the past
Future
Brainstorm
Brainstorm about spring in Kathmandu. Mindmap or write notes for the questions
below.
3) Brainstorm using your five senses.
1) Describe what spring is like where you
c. What does spring look like?
live.
a. What is the weather like?
d. What does spring smell like?
b. What do people do in the spring?
e. What does spring sound like?
f. What does spring taste like?
2) What are your favorite things about
spring?
g. What does spring feel like?
Your task
1. Pick at least 2 of the types of cinquains (classic, word, title) and write a poem
on the theme of spring.
2. Review the earlier slides or your notes if you have forgotten the format
3. Pick your favorite and copy it onto a sheet of spring stationery