Cinquain Poems: 10 Famous Cinquain Poem Examples

Introduction to Cinquain Poems Cinquain poems are five-line poetic compositions known for their concise and vivid imagery. The form was formalized by Adelaide Crapsey , an American poet, in the early 20th century. Inspired by Japanese forms like haiku and tanka , cinquains often convey profound emotions or moods through minimal words. Structure and Characteristics of Cinquains Stresses Per Line Line 1: Contains one stress, usually in iambic meter. Line 2: Contains two stresses. Line 3: Contains three stresses. Line 4: Contains four stresses. Line 5: Returns to one stress. Syllable Count Per Line Line 1: Two syllables. Line 2: Four syllables. Line 3: Six syllables. Line 4: Eight syllables. Line 5: Two syllables. Famous Examples of Cinquain Poems 1. November Night by Adelaide Crapsey Listen… With faint dry sound, Like steps of passing ghosts, The leaves, frost-crisped, break from the trees And fall. This poem juxtaposes everyday imagery (falling leaves) with timeless themes (ghostly footsteps), creating a m…