Genetic Cinquains with Jessica, April 25, 2024
I learned the difference between two kinds of cinquains today, thanks to Jessica. Here are the cinquain types with my genetic examples.
American Cinquain – Unrhymed, five-lines with 22 syllables
Line One- two syllables
Line Two- four syllables
Line Three-six syllables
Line Four-eight syllables
Line Five-two syllables
like her
with spotted hands
thin calves, convex middle
help my sister with sewing tasks
i’m Mom
Didactic Cinquain – Commonly used in elementary classrooms (Yes, this was an easy go-to form for my students)
Line One: One word (a noun, the subject of the poem)
Line Two: Two words (adjectives that describe the subject)
Line Three: Three words (-ing action verbs–participles–that relate to the subject)
Line Four: Four words (a phrase or sentence that relates feelings about the subject)
Line Five: One word (a synonym or a word that sums it up)
Another blogger had educated me about the difference between these two cinquain variations. I truly love the first one because I can relate to finding our antecedents in ourselves. You have inspired me to try one…before National Poetry Month is up and from a photo that has been recurring in my mind’s eye lately. On the other, about “me” (you), I picture you that way…truth.
Thank you, Trish. I’ll look forward to seeing your cinquain about you and those who came before you!