Diamante is the Italian word for diamond. This poetic form, created by the poet Iris Tiedt, takes the form of a diamond when it is completed. There are two patterns to chose from-both of which must be viewed visually to appreciate. Pattern 1 develops one topic. Pattern 2 starts out with one theme and in the middle begins to move toward an opposite theme.
Pattern 1
Line 1: Choose a topic. (noun)
Line 2: Use two describing words. (adjectives)
Line 3: Use three action words. (verbs or “ing” action
words)
Line 4: Use a four-word phrase capturing some feeling
about the topic.
Line 5: Use three action words. (verbs or “ing” action
words)
Line 6: Use two describing words. (adjectives)
Line 7: Use a synonym for an ending word (noun)
Example:
Star
Famous, successful
Singing, dancing, shouting
Mesmerizing the adoring audience
Performing, working, reaching
Frenzied, dazzling
Showman
Pattern 2
Line 1: Choose a noun as your title and an opposite word
(an antonym) for an ending word of your poem.
Line 2: Use two adjectives that describe line 1.
Line 3: Use three verbs (action words or “ing” words) that
relate to line 1.
Line 4: Use two words to express line 1, then two words
to express the opposite ending noun. The theme
changes in this line!
Line 5: Choose three actions words for the ending noun.
Line 6: Use two words to describe the ending noun.
Line 7: Use one word—the antonym you decided upon in
line one.
Example:
Loser
Careless, wimpy
Whining, complaining, stumbling
Shy, timid—confident, courageous
Stretching, achieving, succeeding
Hardworking, determined
Winner