Clarity Pyramid Poetry

Synopsis

The clarity pyramid was created by Jerry Quinn. I found it interesting because it is basically a poetic description or definition of a word. A more detailed explanation of the clarity pyramid origin and structure can be found at Shadow Poetry or Popular Poetry Forms. The structure is also given below. Note, clarity pyramid poems should always be centered.

Poem Structure:

line 1: 1 syllable (title of the poem)
line 2: 2 syllables (synonym clarifying the title)
line 3: 3 syllables (another synonym for the title)

line 4: 5 syllables (based on real life event, poetically related to title)
line 5: 6 syllables (based on real life event, poetically related to title)
line 6: 7 syllables (based on real life event, poetically related to title)

line 7: 8 syllables (in quotations, a quote defining the title)

My Tips, Tricks, & Opinions

Feel free to leave your thoughts, advice, questions, etc. in the comment section below!

Achieve the Unique

Poetry is all about the usage of the right word to invoke the right mood and image—connotation is everything. In this poem you get to define the connotation of the word you are using, which means you can actually change the connotation of a word for your readers! The combination of definitive lines (1,2, and 3) followed by experiences allows for interesting possibilities where metaphors are concerned.

Stating the Obvious

If you take this style too literally, it's possible that your poem will sound like a technical dictionary definition. Line 4-6 should be used to emphasize the personal connection the author associates with the word. For example, perhaps time (or clocks) reminds you of the smell of coffee in the morning or not wanting to wake up to go to school in the morning.

What I Like

Have you ever heard a song on the radio and associated it with a particular event, place, or person? Why should words be any different? For example, the word "liable" reminds me of my grandmother. Why? I have no idea; perhaps she was the first person I ever heard use the word, or maybe it's because of how she said it. Regardless, just like songs, there are words that remind me of places, peoples, and times. I like that this form allows the expression of fusing these personal experiences into a definition of a word. I also think this would be a fun way to learn vocabulary.

Examples

Blue (June 12, 2014)

BLUE
calming
tranquility

painted bedroom walls
of childhood memories
flow quick like water in my mind

"soothes like an ocean breeze"

References

1. Pat Simpson. Poetry Styles Book Two, pg. 7. 2011
2. "Shadow Poetry: Clarity Pyramid Poetry". Shadow Poetry; visited August 2014
3. Lawrencealot. "Popular Poetry Forms". Popular Poetry Forms. March 18, 2013