Diverse Structures

Did you know that not all poems rhyme? Poems are diverse in structure. That means they are built differently. Let's explore!

Haiku

Haikus follow a 5, 7, 5 syllable structure.

The 1st line has 5 syllables, 2nd line 7 syllables, and the 3rd line has 5 syllables. Haikus are usually about nature.

Gentle waves lapping
sunshine sparkling above
seashells on the shore

Haiku

• Does not have to rhyme
• Follows a pattern
• Is often about nature
• Uses bold adjectives
• Uses phrases instead of sentences

The Clerihew-
A rhyme of 2

Clerihew-A short funny verse, typically in two rhyming couplets with lines of unequal length (AA BB pattern)

On Halloween there is a ghost
who likes scaring kids the most.
It waits for them to pass by
then shouts BOO to makes them cry.

Rhyme Scheme

• Clerihew follows a rhyme scheme AA, BB
• Lines 1 and line 2 have the same end rhyme (ghost/most)
• Lines 3 and 4 have the same end rhyme (by/cry)
• These 4 lines make a stanza

Cinquain

With the first sign of light
Atop the tallest tree
Announcing its morning flight
The black-capped chickadee
Happily, sharing his melody

The Rhyme Scheme

• light (a)
• tree (b)
• flight (a)
• Chickadee (b)
• melody (b)

Poems are diverse in structure. They can have different syllable and rhyme scheme structures.

Think about it...what is the benefit of having diverse structures in poetry?

Try it! Build your own poetry collection. Try writing one or two of the poems you just learned about.