Hello ‘Sphreians:

When working with any type of form, I try to see how the form ought to be used to best advantage. It seems like the features of the form ought to be able to define the form to some extent. The obvious features of the cinquain are the gradually increasing line lengths, followed by a sudden decrease: 2-4-6-8-2 syllables, or, as I’ve heard it is more correctly 1-2-3-4-1 stresses, preferably iambic (though AC herself did not rigorously stick to iambics). I assume relief feet could be applied in this form as in any iambic form, though obviously with less opportunity due to the brevity. The increasing line length followed by the cut off implies lines of increasing importance, or weight, followed by…something—say a turn, an ironic twist, a throwback to the first line, a letdown, or some kind of tension/anticipation between lines 4 and 5, created by the choice of word to break on.

As has been stated by others, the form itself is perhaps neither inherently good nor bad. It is suitable for some subjects, and unsuitable for others. It has challenges that other forms don’t. No, it can’t achieve the melodic rhythm of a sonnet nicely crafted. Not can it have the repeating beauty of a villanelle. But it can maximize tension between lines. It can provide a sharp twist or turn, or highlight the use of irony. It can demonstrate how brevity is sometimes superior to…the alternative. It seems like it is one more form to add to the poet’s toolbox. If you don’t like it, don’t use it. I don’t like free verse, and I don’t use it, but I don't denigrate it. Perhaps someday I’ll grow up and add free verse to my toolbox. I do like the challenge that cinquains give: writing metrical verse that maximizes the use of line breaks and seeks to select subject, phrases, and words that fit the form—or that the form fits.

It is a shame that Adelaide Crapsey died so young. Who knows what she might have done with the form if she had lived a few more decades.

Best Regards,
DAT


[This message has been edited by David A Todd (edited April 20, 2005).]