pantoum

A pantoum is a poetic form originating in Malaysia, known as the pantun. In Western poetry, it is a verse form consisting of quatrains, with a specific pattern of line repetition. The first and third lines of each stanza are repeated in the second and fourth lines of the subsequent stanza, respectively. The final stanza typically uses the first and third lines of the first stanza as its second and fourth lines, though variations exist. The second and fourth lines of the final stanza often form a rhyming couplet.

The pantoum's structure creates a sense of echo and development as lines reappear and gain new context. This repetition can build thematic resonance, explore different facets of an idea, or even create a subtle shift in meaning with each recurrence. The form demands careful consideration of each line's potential to serve multiple purposes within the poem. While traditionally rhyming, modern pantoums may also be unrhymed.

The pantoum was introduced to French literature in the 19th century and later adopted into English. Poets have used the form to explore a wide range of subjects, from personal reflection to social commentary, appreciating its capacity for intricate musicality and thematic depth. The challenge and reward of the pantoum lie in its interwoven lines, which compel the poet to craft each phrase with precision and foresight.