Cinquain
is a class of poetic forms that employ a 5-line pattern. Earlier used
to describe any five-line form, it now refers to one of several forms
that are defined by specific rules and guidelines. [ The didactic
cinquain is closely related to the main cinquain. It is an informal
cinquain widely taught in elementary schools and has been featured in,
and popularized by, children's media
resources, including Junie B. Jones and PBS Kids. This form is also
embraced by young adults and older poets for its expressive simplicity.
The prescriptions of this type of cinquain refer to word count, not
syllables and stresses. Ordinarily, the first line is a one-word title,
the subject of the poem; the second line is a pair of adjectives
describing that title; the third line is a three word phrase that gives
more information about the subject; the fourth line consists of four
words describing feelings related to that subject; and the fifth line is
a single word synonym or other reference for the subject from line one.
]
