The traditional cinquain is based on a syllable count.
line 1 - 2 syllablesThe modern cinquain is based on a word count of words of a certain type.
line 1 - one word (noun) a title or name of the subject
line 2 - two words (adjectives) describing the title
line 3 - three words (verbs) describing an action related to the title
line 4 - four words describing a feeling about the titlem, a complete sentence
line 5 - one word referring back to the title of the poem
Treefrogs
in my drainpipe
seranading their lovers
delight in keeping me awake
at night.
Stormclouds,
casting shadows
over weary soldiers,
threaten to cry heavy buckets
of tears.
Oceans
hidden secrets
are a living wonder
for those who take time to open
their eyes.
Woodlands
shelter the sprites,
providing a safe place
to rest, after a big day of
magic.
Moonbeams
Lighting the sea
On a still cloudless night
Illuminate the seaponies
At play
Don't lie
I look though you
To the depths of your soul
I can see your innermost thought
I know
Empty
Old rocking chairs
Once creaking back and forth
Now sit motionless on the porch
Waiting
Sharing
Yesterday's dream
Is just a memory
They used to sit in unison
Rocking
Drought came
The lovers left
Leaving the chairs behind
They will rock again with new life
One day
Mother
Leave the darkness
Feel the new life within
It is a cosmic enigma
...Gaia
Players,
Proud and joyful
Take a well deserved rest.
Dedication and sacrifice
Paid off.