Choose 3 Structured Poems to Write
Directions: Read through the six descriptions and examples of structured poems below. Then, choose three to write of your own. These should be written in pen or typed. Bonus points for decorating it.
a. Cinquain
The Cinquain is a poem (not of Japanese origin) that describes nature in a prescribed number of lines and syllables.
Format and Example
Line 1 – 2 syllablesSquirrel
Line 2 – 4 syllables deftly scampers
Line 3 – 6 syllables up our big birch tree
Line 4 – 8 syllablesto hide his acorn treats
Line 5 – 2 syllablesfrom me.
b. Five Sense
Describe an emotion by using your senses.
First give the emotion a color (sight)
Then, tell how it sounds
Feels
Smells
Tastes
Examples
Loneliness is gray
It sounds like a vacant room
It feels like a toothache
It smells like an empty house
It tastes like liver.
Success is red
It sounds like claps and cheers
It feels like a pat on the back
It smells like flowers in the spring
It tastes like champagne.
c. Extended Metaphor
1. What is an extended metaphor?
2. Using an extended metaphor, write a poem about poetry, the poet, or the poem.
First, establish through a simile what the poet (or poem or poetry) is like. For example, you might compare the poet to an athlete.
Then, throughout the remainder of the poem, talk about the poet exclusively in terms of the athlete – how he or she trains, practices, performs, does well, and does poorly.
Example: “Flaming Poetry” by Daniel Rosenthal (8th grade)
Poetry
is like
flames,
which are
swift and elusive
dodging realization.
Sparks, like words on the
paper, leap and dance in the
flickering firelight. The fiery
tongues, formless and shifting
shapes teas the imagination.
Yet for those who see,
through their mind’s
eye, they burn
up the page.
d. Haiku
This kind of poem comes from Japan. It must have three lines with a total of seventeen syllables. It describes a fleeting (something that doesn’t last very long) moment in nature. It is like a snapshot of something beautiful in nature. It should capture emotion.
Format and Examples
Line 1 has 5 syllablesA CaterpillarMoonlight shines brightly
Line 2 has 7 syllablesTiptoes ever so slowlyMirroring the silver pond
Line 3 has 5 syllablesUp the pine tree’s branchDawn silently springs.
e. VIP
You know what a VIP is (a Very Important Person). Choose someone to write a VIP poem about.
Line 1 – Name of an admired athlete, musician, actor, etc.
Line 2 – List three adjectives that describe that person’s appearance or personality
Line 3 – With what or with whom do you associate this person?
Line 4 – Identify three actions (-ed or –ing words) associated with that person
Line 5 – When or where are these things done?
Line 6 – What is your opinion of or reaction to that person?
Example
The Beatles
Fabulous, talented, fun
The British Invasion
Singing, writing, playing
On the stage and on vinyl
Changed our music – and our minds
f. Ode
An ode is a lyric poem with elaborate descriptive words used to express glorious or enthusiastic emotion.
How to write an Ode:
Select a person, place, or thing to write about.
Write phrases describing how your person/place/thing makes you feel and why you feel this way.
Write many phrases telling unique qualities of your subject.
Now, explain why your subject is important to you and why you adore it so much.
Join some of your phrases into lines for your ode. Remember they do not have to rhyme.
Finally, revise:
- take away any lines that are too similar
- add more feeling to meaningless lines
- pick a good opening line or sentence
- order the remaining lines into their best sequence
- select a good closing line that clearly expresses your feelings about that subject
Example “Ode to a Turtle”
Turtle oh turtle you are so small
I found you on the green of the 7th hole
You helped me through the day
When I take a break, you jump into your lake
I adore your cracks and shell
You’re a great swimmer, far better than me
You take a lap before I get in
Everything around you is fake and mine
From the pond to the rocks, all aren’t his
But he flips and runs on the sand and in the water
Without a care in the world
To what might happen around him.