Cinquain Challenge

Cinquain

Each month we are trying to do some interactive posts that will get you writing. I know this is nanowrimo, but we still think it’s fun to interact.

We’ve picked a short poetry form that many of you might know: the Cinquain. I know there are a few different forms of these, but I wanted to keep it simple. I don’t think a fun writing exercise should be frustrating in any way. Let’s see  the best Cinquain you can come up with. Winner will be published on Every Day Poems with a bio.

I’ve picked, what I feel is the simplest way of writing a Cinquain. It is the Holidays after all, and we don’t want to spend a week trying to write a complicated poetry form (in the future, perhaps). For now write your Cinquain IN THE COMMENTS like this:

Cinquain:

Line 1: A noun

Line 2: Two adjectives

Line 3: Three -ing words

Line 4: A phrase of four words

Line 5: Synonym for the noun in the first line

Simple example:

I,
bored, anxious
waiting, strumming, wanting,
to go home to
solitude

Write as many as you want:

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Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter  Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.

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