FIBONACCI POEM

A Fibonacci poem (or Fib) is a multiple-line verse based on the Fibonacci sequence so that the number of syllables in each line equals the total number of syllables in the preceding two lines.

The Fibonacci sequence begins with either zero or one, followed by one, and proceeds based on the rule that each number (called a Fibonacci number ) is equal to the sum of the preceding two numbers. Technically, the first line in a Fibonacci poem with n = 0 has no syllables, and therefore constitutes a moment of silence. This is an important consideration, just as standard syllable and rhythm patterns are critical to other forms of verse such as haiku, limerick, and iambic pentameter. (If n = 1, then there is no initial moment of silence.)

Here's an example:

What
is
a Fib?
A poem
mathematical
Syllables are arranged in lines
according to Fibonacci's sequence of numbers:
One, one, two, three, five, eight, thirteen, twenty-one, thirty-four, fifty-five and so on.

Because the lines have ever-increasing syllables, the composition of long Fibonacci poems is very challenging. As a result, most have only six or seven lines. The last syllable in each line may rhyme with the last syllable in one or more other lines, although rhyme is not a requirement.

The technique is named for Leonardo Pisano (1170 - 1250), an Italian mathematician also known as Fibonacci.

NOTE: I took this into directly off the internet to assist poets with the fibonacci challenge in the contest brochure for the upcoming Mid-South Poetry Festival (Oct., 2019).  Apparently the writer of this example considers "poem" a two=syllable word. 

Luck with this! 

The Blogger
florencebruce@att.net