Diamond (or diamante) poem instructions

This assignment may be done alone or 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" being the Italian word for the gem called a diamond in English).
     For a diamond poem to make its unique shape, it must have seven lines in which the beginning line and the final line contain just one word (often opposites or antonyms). The middle line should be the longest. The words used to form the resulting diamond pattern amplify the meaning of two contrasting words.
     The most common way to start writing a diamond poem is to choose two opposite words. Then, the middle 5 lines are filled in as described in the preceding paragraph. When completed, your poem should express a sharp contrast between two ideas or themes relating to theology of missions.

Poem formula

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

Line 1 = Initial topic (noun)

Line 2 = Two descriptive words (usually adjectives)

Line 3 = Three action words ("ing" verbs)

Line 4 = Four words: Two about the topic and two words that are opposite of those in line 2 (some "diamond" poem instructions specify that these be nouns)

Line 5 = Three action words for the ending noun ("ing" verbs)

Line 6 = Two adjectives describing the ending noun

Line 7 = Ending noun (one that contrasts with Line 1)

Three Examples:

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

Topic
Two adjectives
Three "ing" verbs
2 words looking backward; 2 forward
Three "ing" verbs
Two adjectives
Opposite of original topic

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

Have you started on your exegesis paper?

Make your paper a careful look at one of the Biblical calls to world evangelism. [ read more ]

SNU missions course materials and syllabi

Cultural Anthropology Introduction to Missions Linguistics Mexican Field Studies Missions Strategies Modern Missionary Movement (History of Missions) Nazarene Missions Church Growth and Christian Missions Theology of Missions Traditional Religions World Religions

Go to:

Howard Culbertson, Southern Nazarene University, 6729 NW 39th, Bethany, OK 73008 | Phone: 405-491-6693 - Fax: 491-6658
Copyright © 2000, 2001 - Last Updated: October 13, 2005 | URL: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/diamond.htm