Two’s company, or: Three’s a crowd

Three lanternes

		one alone quiet time contemplation self
two loving company conversation pair
	three awkward unwelcome nosey Parker crowd

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Lanterne (or: Lanturne)

A lanterne is a type of cinquain (five line poem) that has one syllable in the 1^st line, two syllables in the 2^nd line, three syllables in the 3^rd line, four syllables in the 4^th line, and one syllable in the 5^th line. The poem itself was named after the way the poem resembles a lantern after it has been centered on the page.

It is also important that each line of the lanterne must be able to stand on its own. So, if it were to be separated from the poem, it would make sense in and of itself. When combined, each line contributes to the power and effectiveness of the poem. In some cases, the title of the lanterne itself can be connected to the contents within.

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#TankaTuesday

The above set of three lanternes was written for Colleen Chesebro’s syllabic poetry prompt.

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Let’s write poetry together!

When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.

–Ben Harper (b. 1969)

Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!