A cinquain is a five-line poem that follows a specific syllable or word count pattern. The traditional form consists of lines with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 2 syllables, respectively. This structure allows poets to express ideas concisely while maintaining a rhythmic flow. Cinquains can also be written using a word count format, where the first line has one word, the second has two, and so on, culminating in a final line of one word.
Cinquains were popularized by the American poet Adelaide Crapsey in the early 20th century. She created this form to capture vivid imagery and emotions in a brief format. The simplicity and brevity of cinquains make them accessible for both novice and experienced poets