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Naani Poems

A form of poetry called Naani, was created by one of India’s renowned poets, Dr. N Gopi. Naani is a short form of poetry, and shares some similarities with haiku. Like the Japanese form, Naani poetry has a set line- and syllable-count.  

It is a 4-line poem containing a total 20-25 syllables. Subject matter is not confined to nature or a particular subject. It is fairly wide open. The term ‘naani’ refers to an expression of one and all. 


The Naani poem frequently touches upon emotions, relationships, and the human condition, depending upon human relationships and current statements for its spark. It is slightly less structured than Haiku. 

 I like this affirming Naani poem by Julia James. It follows the Naani guidelines with  4 lines and 24 syllables.


Balancing Act

Life is a tightrope

Sometimes you will fall

But step out in faith

You are only inches off the ground

 Julia James.


It has inspired me to trial a Naani. My poem incorporates rhyme, but it is not essential in the writing of this form of poetry.



We Two

If you were a kite

I'd be your string

We'd dance in the sky

High above everything.

©Alan j Wright


It is Poetry Friday!  If you are seeking some poetry inspiration click on the link and visit this week's host Susan Bruck at Soul Blossom Living where Susan shares a whimsical poem with a timely distraction from the events of the wider world. There is also a poetry roundup where writers and educators share their own poems, poems they love, posts about poetry–anything related to poetry really.




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Comments

  1. Irene Latham7 November 2020 at 00:26

    Every kite needs a string.. .and every string a kite! Thank you for your poem and for sharing more about the naani form.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright7 November 2020 at 15:58

      Interdependence Irene. Glad you appreciated my little poem.

      Delete
  2. Liz Steinglass7 November 2020 at 04:58

    Thanks for telling us about the naani. The word that came to mind when I read your poem was companionship.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright7 November 2020 at 15:59

      Thanks Liz. Yes, companionship is a good notion.

      Delete
  3. Linda B7 November 2020 at 13:31

    I think I will like trying a naani, Alan. It feels like peeking through a keyhole a little bit. I enjoyed both, especially your "love" poem.

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    1. Alan j Wright7 November 2020 at 16:03

      There is an element of a short expression of love in my poem. I was prompted by my wife's comments during a recent conversation we shared regarding how we both coped with our prolonged time in Covid lockdown. Go Naani Linda...

      Delete
  4. Mary Lee7 November 2020 at 22:42

    There is nothing better than knowing someone is your kite string -- sometimes helping you to soar, and other times anchoring you.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright9 November 2020 at 14:02

      We each get to play different roles at different times Mary Lee...

      Delete
  5. Linda Mitchell7 November 2020 at 23:01

    Kite poems make me happy--and this one is just lovely. The kite and the string DO dance. Lovely.

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  6. Carol Varsalona8 November 2020 at 00:23

    Alan, your Naani is a testament of the endurance of love even in a mixed up world. Continue to dance in the sky. My love for nature is found in the Naani I created for PF.

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  7. Karen Edmisten 9 November 2020 at 02:16

    I wasn't familiar with the naani form and I really enjoyed your poem, Alan. You're both the anchor and part of the kite -- lovely!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright9 November 2020 at 14:05

      Glad you enjoyed your introduction to Naani Poems Karen.

      Delete
  8. susanbruck.com9 November 2020 at 15:08

    Thanks for sharing the naani form--it's one I wasn't familiar with. And I really enjoyed both poems that you shared. Such a lovely and loving image of the kite and string.

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright9 November 2020 at 18:20

      Thank you for your generous response Susan. Glad the kite and string connection was a winner.

      Delete
  9. Carmela Martino10 November 2020 at 07:14

    The naani form is new to me. I like both these poems. Such wonderful imagery in so few words!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright10 November 2020 at 11:58

      Thank you Carmela. I think you have touched upon the strength of Naani poems. It lies in projecting imagery and emotion within a confined space.

      Delete
  10. mbhmaine13 November 2020 at 10:53

    I'm more and more intrigued by this form. Thanks for sharing two more mentors!

    ReplyDelete

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