A lanterne is a type of poem which uses a strict construction pattern for a creative and emotional effect. The poem itself was named after the way the poem resembles a lantern after it has been centered on the page.
The origin of the lanterne poem is unknown, and it reaches waves of popularity, especially among literary students. The construction of the lanterne is simple: The first line has one syllable, and each subsequent line increases by one syllable until the end. Then, on the very last line, the poem returns to one syllable.
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. But 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.
A type of cinquain poem that has one syllable in the first line, two syllables in the second line, three syllables in the third line, four syllables in the fourth line, and one syllable in the fifth line that related to the first word of the poem.
Example
- 5 line poem
- each line has a specific number of syllables
line 1 = 1 syllable
line 2 = 2 syllables
line 3 = 3 syllables
line 4 = 4 syllables
line 5 = 1 syllable
- lines do not rhyme
- poem is based on one sentence or idea
boys
tackling
running fast
scoring touchdowns
lads