F - The Fib

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 Coincidentally, one of the prompts for today on NoPoWriMo is the Fib!

Invented by Gregory K. Pincus, The Fib, or Fibonacci poem follows the Fibonacci Sequence in syllable count.  It contains a minimum of 6 lines, but can be longer so long as it sticks with the Fibonacci Sequence.

If you have forgotten math class, you may ask, "What is the Fibonacci Sequence?"  Simply a sequence of numbers, where each number is the sum of the terms before it. 0 + 1 = 1, 1 +1 = 2, 2 + 1 = 3, 3 + 2 = 5... and so forth. 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34...  I say "simply," but it's an important mathematical formula.  Let's just say it's spirals and sunflowers and chambered nautiluses...  

For my 7 line poem, skipping the 0, that would mean:

  • 1 syllable for first line
  • 1 syllable for second line
  • 2 syllables for third
  • 3 syllables for fourth
  • 5 syllables for fifth
  • 8 syllables for sixth
  • 13 for the seventh
  • You can go on as long as you want.  Each line gets harder as the syllable number increases. By line 10 you'd be into it 55 syllables!

The Crow

crow

caws

then meows

silly bird

thinking you fool me

I look up and meow back at you

Do you not know you are my favorite of all birds?

©2021 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved

Comments

  1. Jennifer DugginApril 7, 2021 at 11:35 AM

    I so love this theme. As a free-verse (mostly) poet, I don't know much about traditional poetry. Can't wait to read and write more using these rules.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaApril 7, 2021 at 1:25 PM

      Sometimes I find it nice to have set rules. Some are complicated, and I didn't include any of those! Although my S did frustrate me.

      Delete
  2. Anne E.G. NydamApril 8, 2021 at 6:59 AM

    This form just seems arbitrary, not particularly conducive to making a good poem -- although that said, I do like yours!
    Black and White: F for Faerie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaApril 8, 2021 at 8:06 AM

      I agree with you. The "inventor" is a confessed "math geek." It would be a good form to use in a class with children. Maybe even a math class. If mine were still little I probably would have used it in our home school. Language arts and math in one! Illustrate it and throw in art!

      Delete

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