As I’ve mentioned
before, when I’m teaching creative writing, I tend to return to poetry
exercises. Writing to the restraints of a strict poetic form requires a degree
of mental discipline. Limited numbers of syllables, or the need for rephrasing
to meet the demands of a rhyme scheme, often encourages writers to think about
words in ways that aren’t familiar to those who focus solely on prose writing.
Which is my way of
saying that I’ve got another poetry assignment for those brave enough to rise
to the challenge. This month I thought we could look at the cinquain.
The cinquain is a five
line poetic form that can be attempted in one of two ways. The traditional form
is based on a syllable count as illustrated below.
line 1 – 2 syllables
line 2 – 4 syllables
line 3 – 6 syllables
line 4 – 8 syllables
line 5 – 2 syllables
Naked
Two lithe bodies
Press kisses together
Swift sigh moan shriek roar yes Yes YES!
Sated
For those who like to break away from
tradition, the modern form of the cinquain is not dependent on such
devices as counting syllables.
partner
perfect, passionate
dancing, sleeping, dreaming,
yang to my yin
lover
I strongly advocate exercises like this as the perfect way to preface any
bout of writing. Athletes tell us we should never participate in sports without
first doing some form of warm-up exercise. Musicians practice scales before
performing. Doesn’t it make sense that a writer should practice their craft
before teasing the right words onto the page?
If you have the time to try writing a cinquain, either traditional or
modern, please leave your poem(s) in the comments box below. It’s always good
to read fresh work inspired by these exercises and I hope you have fun with
this one.
As always I love the writing exercises you post. And I'm so envious of people who can actually write poetry. Such a density of language.
Anyway, here's what I came up with.
blowjob
wet, willing
lick, suck, kneel
the perfect submissive act
swallow
I have recently got into writing poetry and love these sort of challenges. Here's my offering.
Flirting
In your bedroom,
Kissing and caressing,
Shyly undressing each other,
Then bed!
CJ
There's no need for poetry envy when you can write cinquains as well as that.
I think this one is stylish and effective.
Graham X,
This managed to combine sauciness with a chaste quality. The conclusion made me smile – which is not bad going for five lines of poetry.
Ash
I rarely write poetry, but you've persuaded me to give this a try. A traditional cinquain from a newbie, then:
devour'd
progressively
with sharpened tooth and eye
a carnal feast for the famished
then tea
aching
deep down inside
warmth: tongue cock fingers lips
soft to touch reach kiss coax. please come?
begging
RG
The pragmatic simplicity of that conclusion is so typical of your writing style.
Moon Jumping Cow
As you get to the penultimate line of your poem, it seems like each word was written as a breathless pant.
There really are some damned good poets visit this blog 🙂
Ash
Okay, Ash,
Here's my feeble attempt at a traditional cinquain. The new fangled style seems MUCH more difficult.
——–
Palm poised
Over bared flesh
Every nerve sparks hot
Remembered sting brings new pleasure
Waiting
Your exercises are a real challenge!
Hugs,
Lisabet
Lisabet,
Thank you. There's a delightful air of anticipation in your poem that really makes it work.
And if there was no challenge – there would be no benefit in the exercise!
Ash
David in Vegas led me here. What fun!
Heated
slick'd skin, striped
cotton rope, sweat soaked
curv'd spine takes his weight, carnal bliss
Begging
Please pass on our thanks to David in Vegas:
In reading these to fit with the syllable count I had to pronounce striped as stripe-PED and soaked as soak-KED. Because both of these words fell at the end of lines, (matching the heat-TED of the opening line) it gave the poem a very distinct voice.
Thanks for posting your poem.
Ash
Monkey's Journey –
Whoever David in Vegas is… I like your poem!
What an interesting form to work in, thanks for the challenge:
captured
held immobile
kinked, inked, pinked
waiting for further attention
bound
David,
Thanks for rising to the challenge. I don't doubt there will be poets reading this who will be extremely jealous over your line 'kinked, inked, pinked' and will be repeating the words like a mantra.
Ash
I wrote two – the traditional and the new. Enjoyed reading everyone's poems!
Nipples
Firm and erect
Aroused by sudden sounds
Twin peaks edging above her breasts
Eager
Blowjob
Warm, wet
Licking, nibbling, suckling
He clenches his hands
Thankful
Anon,
Two delightful poems.
The second one (probably because the middle line is verb heavy) really manages to capture the excitement of sexual intimacy.
Ash
Needlework
Drape me
On the table
Your sowing machine cock
Gathers and embroiders my cunt
Compleat