Poetry Forms Defined

A reference place where formatted poetry rules reside

As I encounter specific poetry formats I will add the parameters/rules the poem is required to follow to meet the style standard. These forms won't be in any particular order.


Form Tanka: consist of five units (often treated as separate lines when romanized or translated) usually with the following pattern of on:
5-7-5-7-7.

The 5-7-5 is called the kami-no-ku (上の句 "upper phrase"?), and the 7-7 is called the shimo-no-ku (下の句 "lower phrase"?).

Traditionally tanka has had no concept of rhyme (certain arrangements of rhymes, even accidental, were considered dire faults in a poem), or even of line.