The Fibonacci "Fib" Poem: A New Poetic Form.

Form poetry can be a great tool for prompts. With our focus on so many classical forms sometimes we forget that newer forms of poetry can be fun too!

A Fibonacci poem is a newer poetic form that bases itself off of the mathematical Fibonacci sequence.

In mathematics the Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where a number is found by adding up the two numbers before it. Starting with 0 and 1, the sequence goes 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and so forth. Written as a rule, the expression is xn = xn-1 + xn-2.

In poetry, the sequence translates to syllable count.

The typical fib is a six line, 20 syllable poem with a syllable count by line of 1/1/2/3/5/8 - with as many syllables per line as the line's corresponding place in the Fibonacci sequence.

An example of a typical fib:

    "One
    Small,
    Precise,
    Poetic,
    Spiraling mixture:
    Math plus poetry yields the Fib."

      — Pincus, Gregory

 
However, some Fibonacci poets try to challenge themselves to make the poems go longer than 6 lines.

The Fibonacci poem, like the mathematical concept it's based on, is named for Leonardo Pisano (1170 - 1250), the Italian mathematician also known as Fibonacci . The poetry form , although recently resurfaced, in all likelihood probably goes back much earlier than Fibonacci himself as  Fibonacci is said to have found instances of his sequence used in Sanskrit poetry of the 12th century.

Gregory K. Pincus coined the term Fib in his blog , to refer to a six-line, twenty syllable version of the form. Pincus then challenged his readers to attempt the form, sparking interest in the Fib, a mention on Slashdot , and a great number of examples proliferating online as a result.

One of the most interesting things about the Fib poem is it becomes one of the useful tools for lovers of both poetry and mathematics to come together as the two disciplines are often thought to be far apart.

Test out your skills at a Fib!

If you are interested in more poetry prompts...

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