Structure:
* Seven lines: The poem has a specific seven-line structure.
* Diamond shape: The lines form a diamond shape with the shortest lines in the middle and the longest lines at the top and bottom.
Word Count:
* Line 1: One noun (subject) - This is the topic of the poem.
* Line 2: Two adjectives describing the subject
* Line 3: Three participles (verbs ending in -ing) related to the subject
* Line 4: Four nouns related to the subject
* Line 5: Three participles (verbs ending in -ing) related to the subject
* Line 6: Two adjectives describing the subject (opposite of line 2)
* Line 7: One noun (opposite of line 1)
Theme:
* Contrast: Diamante poems often explore contrasting ideas, thoughts, or feelings. The first and last lines provide a clear contrast, highlighting the theme.
* Movement: The poem moves from a specific subject (noun) to its opposite, creating a sense of development or change.
Examples:
Here's a simple diamante poem about "Summer":
* Summer
* Warm, bright
* Blossoming, growing, shining
* Sunshine, flowers, heat, laughter
* Withering, fading, dying
* Cold, dark
* Winter
Note: While the standard form is strict, you can find variations where the number of words per line may differ slightly.