Poetry Forms

Naani

Naani

Naani is one of the Indian popular Telugu poems. Naani means an expression of one and all. It consists of 4 lines, the total lines consists of 20 to 25 syllables. The poem is not bounded to a particular subject. Generally it depends upon human relations and current statements. It’s not necessary to follow the rules. This poetry was introduced by one of the renowned Telugu poets Dr. N.Gopi, presently working as vice-chancellor to Telugu University, Andhra Pradesh

Source: http://www.indianest.com/poetry/2002/03072.htm


So, the information given is as following:
The Naani consists of 4 lines.
The syllable count of all these lines has a total of 20 to 25 syllables.




Example: "October 12"

On a tribune, I sit and watch
how fifty two children
are going to swim
for diploma B.

Three laps with clothes on,
then six meters under water
breast stroke, back stroke,
more to be done…

Stress on most faces…
parents worry a lot
I know he will manage…
when he looks my way, I smile.

Proud is he, so am I
for the result he just achieved
I see he’s feeling tired
we’ll take him home…

Note: I created an example, containing four verses, but most Naani contains just a solo verse.



A solo example: "A Prince passed away"

A Prince passed away
Leaves his family behind
No more suffering…
Our whole country mourns his loss


poetry © Bianca Boonstra 2002