How To Write Fibonacci
The Fibonacci poetry form is a unique and captivating structure that derives its name and inspiration from the famous Fibonacci sequence. It is one of a few poetry forms derived from math. In this form, the syllable count of each line follows the sequence, where each number is the sum of the previous two: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and so on. The poem begins with a single syllable, followed by another one-syllable line, then two syllables, three, five, and so on, continuing the pattern. This sequence creates a mesmerizing rhythm and progression within the poem.
Rules of the Fibonacci Poem
- It is a poem of infinite lines
- The syllables in each line correspond the Fibonacci sequence
- There is not set meter or rhyme scheme
- Use as many lines as you like
Benefits and Challenges of the Form
The Fibonacci poetry form offers a creative challenge to poets. They must skillfully adapt their thoughts and ideas to fit the syllable structure. The form’s structure naturally lends itself to evoking a sense of growth and expansion. As syllables increase with each line, it creates a gradual buildup of intensity and emotion. The Fibonacci sequence, known for its presence in the natural world, adds an element of organic harmony to the poem. This mimics the spiraling patterns found in seashells, sunflowers, and other natural phenomena.
Through the Fibonacci poetry form, poets can explore a range of themes and subjects. These can be personal experiences and emotions to observations of nature and reflections on the universe’s interconnectedness. The form’s inherent structure encourages concise and precise language, as poets must carefully select their words to fit the syllable count while maintaining coherence and depth. The result is a poetic composition that combines mathematical precision with artistic expression, offering readers a captivating journey through the power of numbers and words.
Fibonacci Writing Prompts
Prompt 1 – Fibonacci Mashup
For this week’s first prompt we’re doing a mashup of the Fibonacci poem and a List poem. Write a Fibonacci list poem.
Example:
Shoes,
hat,
sunscreen
and a leash
for our dog Annie—
The recipe for a good walk
Prompt 2 – Talking Tree
It’s a tree that talks and it speaks in the fibonacci sequence.
Example:
please
go
away
with that axe
Prompt 3 – Interruptions
We live in an age where distractions are everywhere. Imagine writing a poem, or even better, do it—what are the things trying to steal your attention?
Example:
“My phone”
Hey
ding
ALERT!
Over here
Your attention please
Hey man stop what you are doing
Prompt 4 – What is the Moon, Really?
I’ve heard it described as a big ball of bleu cheese, or a great big bowl of milk. What is the moon made of, really?
Example:
Cheese,
Duh.
Prompt 5 – Digging Deep in the Fibonacci
The syllable count for each line grows exponentially. Try to write a Fibonacci poem that achieves at least 21 syllables in one line.
Example:
This
world
of ours
is spinning.
Faster than you know.
Each morning comes, yet another
rotation. Sure as sunlight, we’ll take another trip
‘round this blue-green marble of a world, get ready, get set, get together for the ride
Prompt 6 – The Call of the Wild
Nature beckons to you. What environment, what biome would you choose, if you had to go out and live in nature. Would it be the tropics? Or would you prefer a snow-driven tundra?
Example:
Snow
falls
slowly
on the ground—
the tundra beckons
Prompt 7 – Paint a Landscape
One of the most useful tools in poetry is generating imagery. Creating an image with words is a tall task, but one that is very useful to master—put your skills to the test with this prompt.
Example:
Wet
Grass
Fresh cut
Morning fog
Field of baby ducks—
yellow specks on a green page
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