How to write a diamond poem

TL;DR:
A diamante poem is a seven-line, non-rhyming poem arranged in a diamond shape. Developed by Iris Tiedt in 1969, the form encourages careful word choice and descriptive writing. These instructions focus on contrasting two topics, using nouns, adjectives, and -ing words to explore their differences and connections.

Diamante (or diamond) poetry instructions

Diamante poems can describe related topics or contrast opposing topics. These instructions focus on a diamante poem that contrasts two topics.

The non-rhyming diamond poem format uses a unique formula of nouns, adjectives, and -ing words to connect contrasting topics.
In this assignment, diamond poems express the contrast between an opening topic and an ending topic, with descriptive and action words highlighting their differences and connections.

Let's become poets

This assignment may be done alone, in pairs, or in small groups.

Write a "diamond" poem that relates to a specific issue or topic discussed in class. It's called a diamond poem because the finished product is shaped like a diamond. Actually, this type of poem is more often called a diamante poem. "Diamante" is Italian for "diamond."

This seven-line, non-rhyming poetic form was developed in 1969 by American poet Iris Tiedt. It encourages descriptive writing about two opposing or contrasting topics. Composing a diamond poem can be an engaging word study exercise.

To create a poem with a unique diamond shape, use seven lines in which the beginning and the final lines contain just one word (usually opposites or antonyms). The middle line should be the longest line. To put it simply, the words used to form the resulting diamond pattern intensify the meaning of two contrasting words at the top and bottom of the poem.

The most common way to start writing a diamond poem is to choose two nouns representing contrasting ideas, such as "ice" and "fire" or "heaven" and "hell." Then, fill in the middle five lines with progressively longer and then shorter lines. When completed, your diamond-shaped poem should express the contrast between two chosen ideas or themes.

Poem formula

Here is the formula or format for a diamond (or diamante) poem:

Line 1 = Initial topic (noun)
Line 2 = Two adjectives describing the opening topic
Line 3 = Three -ing words related to the opening topic
Line 4 = Four words: two related to the opening topic and two related to the ending topic. In the standard format, these are nouns; some variations allow a short phrase.
Line 5 = Three -ing words related to the ending topic
Line 6 = Two adjectives describing the ending topic
Line 7 = Ending topic (one word contrasting with the opening topic)

Here is another way of visualizing it:

Noun
Adjective, Adjective
-ing word, -ing word, -ing word
Noun, Noun, Noun, Noun
-ing word, -ing word, -ing word
Adjective, Adjective
Noun

Three examples

These student examples illustrate the contrasting structure, although some take liberties with the parts-of-speech guidelines.

Death
Blind, lost
Crying, wailing, searching
Cold, empty, full, warm
Hearing, believing, finding
Sight, found
Life.
written by Kim Jayne and Rodger Rushing

Lost
Confused, Scared
Sinning, lying, cheating
Doubtful, Uncertain, Certain, Confident
Accepting, Worshiping, Giving
Joyful, Compassionate
Found!
written by Jaci Bounds, Tim Reiswig and Justin Waldron

Saul
pious, hateful
hunting, arresting, persecuting
opponent, blind, converted, disciple
seeking, freeing, saving
humble, compassionate
Paul
written by Robby Seal

To summarize: Line 1 names the opening topic; Line 2 supplies two adjectives; Line 3 supplies three -ing words; Line 4 links the topics with two words about each; Line 5 supplies three -ing words about the ending topic; and Line 6 supplies two adjectives about it. The final line names the contrasting topic or state.

-- Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu

Afterword: Poem writing as a learning tool

Writing diamante poems encourages careful word choice and helps students explore vocabulary, contrasts, and connections. The brief format also offers a manageable way to express ideas and emotions creatively.