Teacher Notes
Forms of Poetry - Introduction Throughout history, poets have written poetry in many different forms. Some of these forms are known as fixed verse while others are known as free verse. Fixed verse forms have a distinct structure. They may also have a distinct rhythm and rhyming pattern. When writing a poem in a fixed form, you must follow the pre-established rules for that particular type of poetry. Let s now examine some of the most common and well-known forms of poetry, as well as some of the guidelines to follow when writing each form.
Acrostic Purpose Acrostic poems describe a particular topic. Structure Acrostic poems contain a topic word, written vertically down the page. Each letter of the word begins a new description. Rhyming Pattern Acrostic poems do not usually rhyme.
Acrostic The Witch Whizzing through the night sky In and out, she weaves through the clouds Tightly grasping her broomstick Casting her mystical spells Hiding in darkness
Acrostic Analysis Topic Whizzing through the night sky Descriptions In and out, she weaves through the clouds Tightly grasping her broomstick Casting her mystical spells Hiding in darkness
Kennings Purpose Kennings poems describe a particular topic. Structure Kennings poems can have several verses. Each verse usually has three lines which contain two words describing the topic. Rhyming Pattern Kennings poems do not usually rhyme.
Kennings The Spider Web-maker Insect-stalker Creepy-crawler Hairy-hider Skilful-climber Fear-inducer
Kennings Analysis Verses with three lines each Two descriptive words per line Web-maker Insect-stalker Creepy-crawler Hairy-hider Skilful-climber Fear-inducer
Haiku Purpose Haiku poems describe a particular topic. Structure Haiku poems have three lines. The first and third lines have five syllables and the second line has seven syllables. Rhyming Pattern Haiku poems do not usually rhyme.
Haiku The Rose Petals red as blood Fragrant perfume fills the air A delicate rose
Haiku Analysis Petals red as blood Fragrant perfume fills the air A delicate rose five syllables seven syllables five syllables
Cinquain Purpose Cinquain poems describe a particular topic. Structure Cinquain poems have five lines. Each line uses descriptive words and phrases to create images of the topic. Rhyming Pattern Cinquain poems do not usually rhyme.
Cinquain - Snowflakes Snowflakes Graceful, intricate Floating, dancing, falling Perfect in their uniqueness Flawless
Cinquain Analysis Snowflakes Graceful, intricate Floating, dancing, falling Perfect in their uniqueness Flawless Title Two descriptive words Three action words A feeling about the title A synonym for the title
Shape Poems Purpose Shape poems describe a particular object. Structure Shape poems are written in the shape of the object they describe. They have no other formal structure. Rhyming Pattern Shape poems do not usually rhyme.
Shape Poem - Raindrops A raindrop slips down my silent face. It falls so gently off my cheek. Now gone.
Shape Poem Analysis A raindrop slips down my silent face. It falls so gently off my cheek. Now gone. Written to create the shape of a raindrop
Ode Purpose Odes express thoughts and feelings about a person or object. Structure Odes can have several lines, or several verses. Imagery, such as simile, metaphor and personification, is usually included. Rhyming Pattern Traditional odes have a distinct rhythm and rhyming pattern; yet modern odes do not tend to follow these rules.
Ode To Chocolate Oh, chocolate! You are the sweetest of all treats, Texture as soft and smooth as silk, A ball of happiness on my tongue. My heart smiles with every taste, Feeding and warming my soul, Oh, how I adore you!
Ode Analysis Oh, chocolate! You are the sweetest of all treats, Texture as soft and smooth as silk, A ball of happiness on my tongue. My heart smiles with every taste, Feeding and warming my soul, Oh, how I adore you! simile metaphor personification
Limerick Purpose Limericks are nonsense poems, meant to make people laugh. Structure Limericks have five lines. The first, second and fifth lines have the same number of syllables, as do the third and fourth lines. Rhyming Pattern Limericks have rhythm, created by the number of syllables in each line. They also follow an aabba rhyming pattern.
Limerick The Old Lady From Rome There was an old lady from Rome, Who never could find her way home. She would walk down the street, Getting very sore feet, That silly old lady from Rome!
Limerick Analysis There was an old lady from Rome, Who never could find her way home. She would walk down the street, Getting very sore feet, That silly old lady from Rome! The character The situation Plot development Summary
Ballad Purpose Ballads are narrative poems, intended to tell a story. Structure Ballads can have several verses. Each verse has four lines. Sometimes, verses may be repeated throughout the poem. Rhyming Pattern Ballads have rhythm, created by the number of syllables in each line. They usually follow an abcb rhyming pattern.
Ballad The Park I went for a walk to the park one day, And what do you think I found? A busy bee stuck up in a tree, And a bee hive down on the ground! I bravely walked up to that bee hive, And what do you think I did? I poked that hive and it came alive, So I ran away and I hid!
Ballad Analysis I went for a walk to the park one day, And what do you think I found? A busy bee stuck up in a tree, And a bee hive down on the ground! Verses with four lines in each I bravely walked up to that bee hive, And what do you think I did? I poked that hive and it came alive, So I ran away and I hid!