How to Write a Reverse Cinquain

If you've written a traditional Cinquain, like the form and fancy a further challenge, why not have a go at writing one, or all of the following Cinquain versions in this workshop?

To build on the traditional Cinquain there are 5 further adaptations of the form; a mirror Cinquain, a reverse Cinquain, a butterfly Cinquain, a crown Cinquain and finally a garland Cinquain. Our workshop will look at these as 5 separate poetry writing workshops. (If you would like to refresh your memory on how to write a traditional Cinquain, please visit our Cinquain Workshop.)

Throughout the advanced Cinquain workshops we will be using the same example and building upon it and evolving it each time. We're doing it this way to help highlight the progression of the form through the adaptations. When writing your Cinquains you are welcome to write them on any theme and to write a new Cinquain each time your try a new adaptation.

How to write a Reverse Cinquain

The first adaptation we are looking at is the reverse Cinquain. As the name suggests it is a traditional Cinquain with the form's structure reversed.

Line 1 has 2 syllables.
Line 2 has 8 syllables.
Line 3 has 6 syllables.
Line 4 has 4 syllables.
Line 5 has 2 syllables.

Once you've written your poem, why not send it to us to be entered into our competition - You can send via post to: Forward Poetry, Remus House, Coltsfoot Drive, Peterborough PE2 9JX, or email it to inbox@forwardpoetry.co.uk.