Haiku – The class Japanese form that counts moras/syllables. Usually a 3 line poem with the first and third line containing 5 syllables, and the 2nd middle line containing 7 syllables.

Example:

Butterflies are cool in the big, huge, green forest they fly up so high!

 

Couplet – Two lines of the same length. In a formal couplet, each of the two lines is end-stopped, implying that there is a pause at the end of a line.

Example:

I have the measles and the mumps, a gash, a rash and purple bumps.

Limerick – Three five line ditties. The third and fourth lines are usually shorter than the other three.

Example:

An infatuated man from Dover,

was left by his imaginary lover.

He pulled his hair,

in sheer despair,

forgetting a wig was his cover.


Sonnet – Has 14 lines. Each line has 10 syllables.

Example:

Ye ladies, walking past me piteous-eyed,

Who is the lady that lies prostrate here? Can this be even she my heart holds dear? Nay, if it be so, speak, and nothing hide. Her very aspect seems itself beside, And all her features of such altered cheer That to my thinking they do not appear Hers who makes others seem beatified.

‘If thou forget to know our lady thus,

Whom grief o'ercomes, we wonder in no wise, For also the same thing befalleth us, Yet if thou watch the movement of her eyes, Of her thou shalt be straightaway conscious. O weep no more; thou art all wan with sighs.


Ballad – A sentimental or romantic song following in a melodic rhythm of two or more stanzas, with four or more poetic lines that tell a story.

Example:

As I was walking down the street I saw two people in secret meet The second one said to the first 'You have some news to quench my thirst?'

'In behind the old, damp shed There lies a noble man slain, dead And no one knows he lies in strife Except his dog and lonely wife

With master gone where no one knocks His dog has left to chase a fox His wife has found somebody new His house is left for all to view

Though it's been empty for a while We'll be warm and dry in half a mile For now we can take comfort there We'll flee the place when it grows bare

Many people knew the nobleman But none do care where he has gone Over his grave, all do ignore The wind shall blow forever more.


Acrostic – a form of writing where the first letter, syllable, or word of each line spells out a word or phrase.

Example:

Worthy, your friendship is a gift

Illustrious, bright and accomplished

Lively, the life of the party

Light-hearted, you have an easy laughter

Inspirational, the ability to motivate

Approachable, people turn to you for help

Merry, abundant joy