A cinquain by definition has five lines, but in an American cinquain, each line has its own specific number of syllables and stresses.

First line: The first line of an American cinquain has two syllables and one stressed syllable.

Second line: The second line of an American cinquain has four syllables and two stresses.

Third line: The third line of an American cinquain has six syllables and three stresses.

Fourth line: The fourth line of an American cinquain has eight syllables and four stresses.

Fifth line: The last line of an American cinquain has two syllables and one stress