Pattern Poem: A Pantoum

A pantoum uses a structured repetition of lines to achieve a haunting, chant-like effect. Following is one of several "recipes" for a pantoum.

line #		repeats as line #	Line (NOT rhyme) pattern
1	We were drinking our coffee	14	A
2	We sat at sticky tables	5	B
3	Waiters brought beignets	13	C
4	We were lost to ourselves	7	D
5	We sat at sticky tables		B
6	Wandering jazzmen played	9	E
7	We were lost to ourselves		D
8	While sparrows competed for our crumbs	11	F
9	Wandering jazzmen played		E
10	When you suddenly looked at me	15	G
11	While sparrows competed for our crumbs		F
12	Where before there had been nothing	16	H
13	Waiters brought beignets		C
14	We were drinking our coffee		A
15	When you suddenly looked at me		G
16	Where before there had been nothing		H

SUGGESTIONS:

1. Start by doodling six to ten words or phrases.

2. From them, form your first four lines -- for now, start each with a capital, end with no punctuation.

3. Construct the lines as separate, stand-alone units.

4. Be alert for connections, patterns, rhymes, echoes...whatever the poem you have started is trying to tell you!