Tricube poems are a form of poetry that consist of three stanzas, each containing three lines. The name “tricube” comes from the fact that each line of the poem has exactly three syllables.

The first stanza sets the tone or theme of the poem, the second develops it further, and the third brings the poem to a conclusion. Each stanza should be a complete thought or idea, and the poem should flow smoothly from beginning to end.

Tricube poems are a relatively new form of poetry, invented by poet Philip Larrea in 2001. The form is meant to be concise and focused, forcing the poet to carefully choose each word and phrase to convey their intended meaning.

Because of their brevity, tricube poems can be a great exercise for poets who want to practice their craft and refine their skills. They also make for a quick and satisfying read for those who enjoy poetry but don’t have a lot of time to spend on longer works.

An example of a tricube poem would be from my poem, Ear to Ear:

The sunshine

Warm and bright

Brings smiles


The smile

Ear to ear

So happy


The laughter

Pure and true

Lifts spirts

Try it Yourself

Remember it needs to be three stanzas of three lines each that only have three syllables.