How to Write Diamante Poems

The diamante, or diamond poem, was created by Iris Tiedt in 1969. It is a diamond shape when center-justified and follows strict rules, line by line. Because of its dependence on adjectives, strict form, and lack of meter and rhyme, many elementary school students are taught this form as an entry into poetry and creative writing.

The diamante is a single stanza made up of seven lines. The top and bottom lines are single words, nouns, and the poem converges between them at the center line. These two endpoints should be synonyms or antonyms (such as friend/companion or love/hate), and all the words and phrases in the lines between them will be describing one or the other.

Rules governing the diamante:

Line 1: noun
Line 2: two adjectives describing the first noun (L1)
Line 3: three adjectives that describe the first noun (L1), all ending in "ing"
Line 4: four words- two regarding the first noun (L1), two regarding the synonym/antonym (L7)
Line 5: three adjectives that describe the synonym/antonym (L7), all ending in "ing"
Line 6: two adjectives describing the synonym/antonym (L7)
Line 7: synonym/antonym of the first noun

I have found no guidelines for titling a diamante, so it is author's choice.

Example: (copy into word processor and center)

Sculptures

Sculptures
rowdy, whimsical
amusing, engaging, inviting
exotic, outrageous, provocative, eccentric
compelling, alluring, riveting
imaginative, inspired
Art