Summary

The webpage outlines five unique poetic forms that poets can explore to challenge their creativity: Limerick, Nonet, Tricubes, Fibonacci Poems, and Cinquain.

Abstract

The article titled "5 Unusual Poetic Forms You Should Try" encourages poets to experiment with less common poetic structures to enhance their writing skills and inspire creativity. It describes the Limerick, known for its humorous and often nonsensical nature, consisting of a triplet followed by a couplet with a specific rhyme scheme. The Nonet, reminiscent of Japanese poetry, is a nine-line poem with a decreasing syllable count from nine to one. Tricubes, a modern form by Phillip Larrea, emphasize the number three in both syllables per line and the number of lines and stanzas. Fibonacci Poems, or Fibs, follow the mathematical sequence of the same name, with syllable counts increasing as per the sequence. Lastly, the Cinquain, inspired by haiku and tanka, uses a syllable pattern of 2-4-6-8-2 to evoke emotions and vivid imagery. The article emphasizes that while these forms provide structure, poets should feel free to break the rules and innovate.

Opinions

The author suggests that form poetry, with its mathematical patterns, can be a source of inspiration and a way to challenge oneself as a poet.
The Limerick is presented as an underutilized form that can be reimagined with modern or philosophical themes.
Nonet is seen as a contemporary evolution of traditional Japanese poetry, with freedom in subject matter and rhyming.
Tricubes are introduced as a simple yet powerful form that focuses on the essence of 'three' without constraints on rhyme or meter.
Fibonacci Poems are celebrated for incorporating a natural pattern found in various elements of nature, suggesting a harmony between mathematics and poetry.
The Cinquain is highlighted for its ability to convey strong imagery and emotions within a structured syllable framework.
The article encourages poets to use these forms as a starting point for creativity, advocating for rule-breaking and the creation of new poetic forms.

5 Unusual Poetic Forms You Should Try

Looking for ways to stretch your poetic muscles? Try some unusual poetry forms to pique your inspiration.

The crux of form poetry is a mathematical pattern of syllables, words, lines, or stanzas — separately or in combination depending on the form.

There’s a wide array to choose from, but here are five that are simple but challenging enough to make it interesting:

1. Limerick

Not so much unusual as out of fashion, Limericks are short humorous poems, often silly or naughty, with a lyrical quality. Consider writing one with an ironic or philosophical statement.

Form:

Five-line poem consisting of a triplet split by a couplet (aabba)
Lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme and average 7–10 syllables each line
Lines 3 and 4 rhyme and average 5–7 syllables each line

Example:

There once was a girl named Joan who was constantly on her cellphone she’d text, and she’d talk sometimes film a Tik-tok Yet, spent most of her time alone

2. Nonet

Likely a more contemporary version of traditional Japanese poetry, like haiku or tanka, the nonet poetic form has a simple group of nine architecture. There is no direction on subject matter or rule around rhyming, but there is a specific syllable and line count.

Form:

9 line poem
Syllable count per line is 9–8–7–6–5–4–3–2–1

Example:

A lone penny lying on the ground does not know its value is less than the nickel beside it since both are discarded among the street trash trampled over by so many all day long

3. Tricubes

Introduced by Phillip Larrea, this contemporary poem is all about the power of three. A simple form, there are no rules about rhyme or meter, the focus is all on the number three.

Form:

Each line contains three syllables
Each stanza contains three lines
Each poem contains three stanzas

Example:

He found her once again lost in dreams

She surmised he forgot her nature She’s always a dreamer lost in thought

4. Fibs or Fibonacci Poems

Created by Gregory K. Pincus, Fibonacci poetry (commonly known as fibs) uses a mathematic pattern derived from the Fibonacci Sequence which was developed by the mathematician Leonardo Bonacci in the 1200s CE. The sequence is found throughout nature in shells, leaves, flowers, and even the human face.

Form:

A 6-line poem formed by adding the previous two numbers of the sequence together
The syllable count per line is 1–1–2–3–5–8

Example:

Light hides among the darkest dreariest places inside a melancholy heart

5. Cinquain

Created by Adelaide Crapsey and inspired by haiku and tanka poetry, the cinquain poem has an easy syllable structure laid out in five lines. Vivid imagery is used to inspire a feeling or emotion.

Form:

5 line poetry
Syllable count per line is 2–4–6–8–2

Example:

Cowboys riding the plains on sun-swept summer days are steered by a tanned river of sharp horns

Though poetry forms are fun brain-work, don’t limit yourself. Break the rules or even create your own form. Get adventurous and try combining forms into one poem (e.g. a Fib followed by a Nonet). Create longer poems by repeating the form in subsequent stanzas. Or insert a stanza of form poetry among a free-form one to create something lyrical.

Let the structure feed your imagination.

*All examples are written by Bonnie J Davies