#33 Pantoum Poems

ASSIGNMENT PURPOSE

The purpose of this assignment is to compose a new poem on any topic in the form of a pantoum.

A four-stanza pantoum is common (although more stanzas may be used). Each stanza has four lines, and each line is represented by a letter below. B and D from the first stanza are repeated in the second stanza as the first and third lines. This pattern is repeated from stanza to stanza as shown, and in the final stanza, lines A and C from the first stanza can be repeated, or new lines can be written.

The pantoum form is as follows:

Stanza 1
A
B
C
D

Stanza 2
B
E
D
F

Stanza 3
E
G
F
H

Final Stanza
G
I (or A or C)
H
J (or A or C)

EXAMPLES

Here are some pantoum examples.

Poems published so far in this series will be linked here.

FORMAL INTERESTS

We are specifically interested in poems that demonstrate careful attention to the elements of shape, line, music, comparison, and balance, and especially how those choices contribute to the cooperative harmony of structure and sentiment in the poem.

Poems that do not meet these interests may be declined. For more on this perspective, see the five formal causes of beauty in poetry.

We also challenge you to consider new choices you might take in audience and poetic form as it pertains to aspects of narrative perspective, shape, sound, repetition, and enjambment.

HOW TO SUBMIT

Poetry submissions should be saved in Microsoft Word document format and composed in Times New Roman, 12-point font. They should be attached to an email addressed to editor@texaspoetryassignment.org and include within the body of the email a brief cover letter and a 50-word biography.

ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION

Accepted poems will be published beginning October 1, 2022, and conclude on November 30, 2022.

PUBLICATION RIGHTS

Writers will retain all rights to their work published on this site.