How To Write A Pantoum Poem

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Table of Contents

• What is a Pantoum Poem?
• What is the Structure of a Pantoum Poem?
• How to Write a Pantoum Poem?
• What are Some Tips for Writing a Pantoum Poem?
• What are Some Famous Pantoum Poems?

What is a Pantoum Poem?

A pantoum poem is a form of poetry that originated in Malaysia and became popular in France in the 19th century. It is a type of poem that has a repetitive structure, where the second and fourth lines of each stanza are repeated as the first and third lines of the next stanza. The final stanza ends with the second and fourth lines of the first stanza, creating a circular structure.

The repetition of lines creates a sense of continuity in the poem, while the circular structure gives it a sense of completeness. A pantoum poem usually consists of four or five stanzas, with each stanza having four lines, and the first and third lines being shorter than the second and fourth lines.

What is the Structure of a Pantoum Poem?

A pantoum poem has a specific structure that includes the repetition of certain lines. The structure of a pantoum poem is as follows:

1. The first stanza has four lines, with the second and fourth lines repeating as the first and third lines of the second stanza.
2. The second stanza has four lines, with the first and third lines from the first stanza repeating as the second and fourth lines of the third stanza.
3. The third stanza has four lines, with the second and fourth lines from the second stanza repeating as the first and third lines of the fourth stanza.
4. The fourth stanza has four lines, with the first and third lines from the first stanza repeating as the second and fourth lines of the fifth stanza.
5. The fifth stanza has four lines, with the second and fourth lines from the second stanza repeating as the first and third lines of the first stanza, creating a circular structure.

How to Write a Pantoum Poem?

Writing a pantoum poem can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are the steps to follow when writing a pantoum poem:

1. Choose a topic or theme for your poem.
2. Write the first stanza, following the structure of a pantoum poem.
3. Decide which lines you want to repeat in the next stanza and write the second stanza.
4. Continue writing stanzas, repeating lines as necessary, until you reach the final stanza.
5. End the final stanza with the second and fourth lines of the first stanza.
6. Revise your poem, making sure the repeated lines flow smoothly and the circular structure of the poem is complete.

What are Some Tips for Writing a Pantoum Poem?

Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a pantoum poem:

1. Choose a topic or theme that is meaningful to you.
2. Use imagery and sensory details to bring your poem to life.
3. Experiment with different line lengths and structures to create a unique poem.
4. Don't be afraid to break the rules of pantoum poetry to make your poem more interesting.
5. Revise your poem multiple times to ensure that it flows smoothly and the repetition is effective.

What are Some Famous Pantoum Poems?

Here are some examples of famous pantoum poems:

1. "Pantoum of the Great Depression" by Donald Justice
2. "Pantoum for Chinese Women" by Margaret Rhee
3. "The Pantoum of the Opera" by Carolyn Kizer
4. "Pantoum of the Prince" by Wallace Stevens
5. "Pantoum of the Dead" by Donald Justice

Conclusion

Writing a pantoum poem can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The repetitive structure of the poem creates a sense of continuity and completeness, while the circular structure gives it a unique form. By following the steps outlined above and keeping in mind some tips for writing a pantoum poem, you can create a beautiful and memorable piece of poetry.