More Syllabic Poetry

Summary

The website content introduces the cinquain poetry form and invites writers to participate in a monthly prompt focused on writing a cinquain.

Abstract

The web content delves into the history and structure of the American Cinquain, a poetic form inspired by Japanese haiku and tanka, which was developed by Adelaide Crapsey. It describes the evolution of Crapsey's cinquain, emphasizing its reliance on syllabic and stress patterns. The content also presents Crapsey's poem "November Night" as an example of the form. Furthermore, it announces a monthly writing prompt for August, encouraging poets to submit their cinquain poems to "The Bazaar of the Bizarre" and tag their submissions appropriately. The prompt is part of a broader celebration of syllabic poetry and the art of writing, reminding poets of the profound connection between life, love, and poetry. The content concludes with a list of recommended readings and acknowledges the creator of the prompt, MDSHall, who is involved with several poetry communities.

Opinions

The cinquain form is seen as a unique and structured way to express emotions and imagery, akin to the Imagists' approach to poetry.
Adelaide Crapsey's contribution to poetry is highlighted, particularly her development of the cinquain and the use of titles as an integral part of the poem.
The prompt suggests that writing in structured forms like the cinquain can lead to a deeper appreciation of the "awe of it all," implying that constraints in poetry can enhance creativity and emotional depth.
The content expresses a belief in the transformative power of poetry, equating life with poetry and love with a symphony that accompanies existence.
The inclusion of a diverse list of tagged writers indicates an inclusive approach, welcoming a wide range of poets to participate in the prompt.
The recommended readings list reflects a curated selection of works that may inspire or inform participants' writing, suggesting a commitment to continuous learning and appreciation of poetic heritage.

Background

The modern form, known as American Cinquain inspired by Japanese haiku and tanka, is akin in spirit to that of the Imagists. In her 1915 collection titled Verse, published a year after her death, Adelaide Crapsey included 28 cinquains. Crapsey’s American Cinquain form developed in two stages. The first, fundamental form is a stanza of five lines of accentual verse, in which the lines comprise, in order, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 1 stresses. Then, Crapsey decided to make the criterion a stanza of five lines of accentual-syllabic verse, in which the lines comprise, in order, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 1 stresses and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 2 syllables. Iambic feet were meant to be the standard for the cinquain, which made the dual criteria match perfectly. Some resource materials define classic cinquains as solely iambic, but that is not necessarily so. In contrast to the Eastern forms upon which she based them, Crapsey always titled her cinquains, effectively utilizing the title as a sixth line. Crapsey’s cinquain depends on strict structure and intense physical imagery to communicate a mood or feeling.

The form is illustrated by Crapsey’s “November Night”:

Listen… With faint dry sound, Like steps of passing ghosts, The leaves, frost-crisp’d, break from the trees And fall.

A MYRIAD OF FORM(S)

More Syllabic Poetry

Monthly Prompt №5.2: August — introducing the cinquain

Background

The Prompt