How to Write a Poem in Five Minutes

A cinquain is an easily written, simple poem format.

If you only have five minutes to write a poem, there are a few very simple poetic forms that are easy to write. Among the easiest poetry forms to write are couplets, acrostics and cinquains. A couplet has only two lines and rhymes, so it is fairly easy to write. An acrostic has lines that begin with the letters of the subject of the poem. It is easy to write if you choose a short word. A cinquain, though longer than the others, is easy to accomplish in just five minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen or pencil

Instructions

1. Base the five lines of the cinquain on types of words or the more difficult syllable count format. Use the word-type format for best results with just five minutes to write.

2. Decide on a simple subject for the poem. Write the subject noun on the first line using one word or two syllables.

3. Write adjectives about or examples of the subject on line two. Use either two words or four syllables.

4. Use actions the subject might participate in for line three. Write these verbs using either three words or six syllables.

5. Write words that describe feelings about the subject on line four. Use either four words or eight syllables.

6. Use one word or two syllables for the final line. Write a synonym for the poem's subject.

Tips & Warnings

• To expedite writing the poem and succeed in five minutes, write about a simple subject with which you are extremely familiar.

• Do not mix the formats. Use either the parts of speech or syllable count format, but not both.

References

• Pinellas County Schools: Kinds of Poetry
• Appalachian State University: Cinquain