Descriptions and examples of various poetry forms.
(For ASIAN-INSPIRED FORMS and for GLOSSARIES OF LITERARY TERMS, scroll to the lower half of the page.)
A poetic form composed of lines borrowed from poems by other poets. A brief definition, one example, and links to a few poets who have used the form. From Poets.org .
Links to major cinquain sites, including the complete Adelaide Crapsey cinquains. Click on the Description button for explanation of the form. From the dmoz Open Directory Project.
From a Craft of Poetry course taught by Vince Gotera at the University of Northern Iowa focusing on writing poems in rhyme, meter, and inherited forms.
This traditional Welsh short poem comes in several forms, all syllabic and involving rigid patterns of rhyme and half rhyme. This is a good intro, with plenty of links to investigate further.
A good starting point, but neglects a basic requirement: the function of the ode as a meditation on a particular subject. Includes a worthwhile discussion of what is not an ode. From Bob Newman's interesting site, A Guide to Verse Forms.
Best sonnet site around. Definitions, instructions for writing, articles and sonnets from 600 years of sonneteers, from Petrarch to the 20th century, plus a Sonnet Magnet board for instant composing and other attractions as well; you can even submit poems to the site and read those of others.
Smitha Chakravarthula defines and illustrates this verse pattern adapted from Italian poets of the 13th century. Includes helpful hints on using meter and rhyme.
A four stanza poem created by Dr. Charles A. Stone. The first stanza has four lines and the last three stanzas three lines each, with the first line of each repeating the respective line of the first stanza. Brief definition and several examples.
Smitha Chakravarthula's explication of the pattern seems to be based on my earlier article (See above entry), but she has added illustrations of two specific forms: the Luc Bat and the Than Bauk.
Gino Peregrini's large site "publishes original ghazals written English, related reviews, essays and notes, and rarely, translations." It also includes useful links to other ghazal sites and much more. Accepts submissions.
An in-depth article that delves not only into the life and mission of Agha Shahid Ali, foremost poet and defender of the ’true’ ghazal, but also into its making, history and predominant mood. Originally published by Louis Werner in the Saudi Aramco World, July/August 2001. Very worthwhile.
Haiga combines haiku with a visual image, so this "is about both art and poetry." Discusses both traditional and experimental haiga and includes helpful links, a workshop and works by a variety of contributors. Takes submissions.
Articles on reading, writing and appreciating haiku, as well as background and links to tanka, renga, renku, and the difference between haiku and senryu.
A good one to bookmark. Elizabeth St Jacques' annotated links to haiku, haiga, tanka, renga and sijo sites and publications, plus forums, ecards, directories, related organizations and libraries, and much more.
An example of one of the most popular forms of renga features alternating verses by two poets, along with explanations of the requirements for each verse.
[C]ollaborative poetry in the rengay form. A brief intro to the form created by Garry Gay, with links to several other Rengay articles and copious examples. By Michael Dylan Welch.
William J. Higginson's extensive explanations of renku (Haikai no renga) and other linking patterns. Includes an article on the differences between renga and renku.
The original home of English-language sijo on the web, a part of Larry Gross's extensive theWORDshop. Explanation and history of classical sijo, with abundant examples and links to other pages.
A lecture presented by Professor David McCann of Harvard University, sponsored by the Chicago Public Library and Sejong Cultural Society, April 10, 2010. Includes definition of the form and both classical and contemporary examples. Very helpful.
From the Stylus Poetry Journal comes this very informative article by Janice M. Bostok explaining the nature and history of tanka and its relationship to waka, renga and tan renga.
A course taught at the U of Northern Iowa; provides clear definitions and illustrations of 7 poetry forms and 7 important poetry characteristics: Style, Repetition, Rhyme & Music, Line & Meter, Imagery, Form, and Tradition.
Compiled by Prof. Jack Lynch of Rutgers University. The section on poetry is limited, but offers pathways to other literary terms plus useful sections on literary history, genres and theory. Arranged by categories.
Extensive dictionary of rhetorical devices and figurative imagery. Companion site to Harris's Glossary of Literary Terms. Each has entries not found in the other.
Not a glossary exactly. It offers clear, understandable history and background to poetic styles and forms from around the world, then defines the styles and forms and, in most cases, gives examples. By Terry Clitheroe.
