Pantoum

The Pantoum first originated in the 15th Century Malaysia and was often made up of rhyming couplets. However, when it was brought over to the West, it was altered so that the importance of rhyming each line wasn't required. As long as the lines matched as stated above, poets were not concerned.

A Pantoum is a poem that can be of any length but is composed of four-line stanzas where the second and fourth lines of the previous stanza serve as the first and third lines of the next. The last line of the Pantoum is often, but not always, the same as the first line of the poem.

Though the lines that are repeated are often written the exact same way when they are repeated, they are also sometimes changed grammatically in order to fit that particular stanza better.

• This type of poetry creates a full circle sense for the reader. 
• With repeating lines, the poem just keeps flowing. 
• With repeating lines within different stanza's, it could show a different meaning in words or phrases. THat is something an author can play with.

World War II Pantoum' (author unknown)

A Remember those who died for us (1)
B They did not die in vain (2)
A They gave their lives and their trust (3)
B So atrocities of war are never again (4)

A They did not die in vain (2)
B Wear a poppy each November (5)
A So atrocities of war are never again (4)
B We must never forget, but remember (6)

A Wear a poppy each November (5)
B Honour those so brave (7)
A We must never forget, but remember (6)
B Our freedom they did pave(8)

A Honour those so brave (7)
B They gave their lives and their trust (3)
A Our freedom they did pave (8)
B Remember those who died for us. (1)

A WORLD IN DICHOTOMY by Emporia State student, Samantha Sanders
I do not want to live in a world were
Cruelness is common
This world is rampant with
Depression and hate

Cruelness is common
You can find it anywhere
Depression and hate
I long for something more

You can find it anywhere
Happiness and love
I long for something more than
Just another sad day

Hapiness and love
Can be found, and I refuse to let this be
Just another day
The world can be happy again