A cinquain poem is a five-lined poem that follows a specific pattern of syllables per line. It is a favorite poetic form for many kids because it is easy and fun to write and does not require a whole lot of words. The following is the format for writing a cinquain:

• Line 1: One word (a noun, the subject of the poem)
• Line 2: Two words (adjectives that describe the subject in line 1)
• Line 3: Three words (-ing action verbs–participles–that relate to the subject in line 1)
• Line 4: Four words (a phrase or sentence that relates feelings about the subject in line 1)
• Line 5: One word (a synonym for the subject in line 1 or a word that sums it up)

Alternatively, for older and/or more practiced students, the precise syllables for the cinquain should be observed, following the directions above for relating to the subject of the poem in the first line:

• Line 1: two syllables
• Line 2: four syllables
• Line 3: six syllables
• Line 4: eight syllables
• Line 5: two syllables (alternative line: ten syllables)

Sometimes each line is centered to create a diamond or tree-like shape. Cinquains can be used to reinforce some basic grammatical parts of speech. The following is an example of a cinquain poem:

Poetry
Clever, crafty
Writing, composing, describing
Best words, best order
Verse

Cinquains are not standalone forms, and several different variations on the five-line poem exist.