Fibonacci sequence
Sun.
Rain.
Warm earth.
Growth begins.
Petals open wide.
Spirals form in flowers and leaves.
Numbers weave through every living thing—mathematical.

Fibonacci poem is a form of constrained writing that draws its structure from the famous Fibonacci sequence—a mathematical pattern in which each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. The sequence begins with 0 and 1, then continues: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and so on. In the context of poetry, this sequence is typically applied to the number of syllables per line, creating a form that expands gradually, mirroring the organic growth patterns found in nature. The result is a poem that feels both mathematical and natural, structured yet fluid, as each line builds upon the last with increasing complexity and rhythm.

The Fibonacci sequence is not arbitrary—it is deeply embedded in the natural world. It appears in the arrangement of leaves on a stem, the branching of trees, the spirals of shells, and the flowering of artichokes and sunflowers. By adopting this sequence as a poetic constraint, writers tap into a universal rhythm that resonates with both the mind and the senses. The poem becomes a reflection of natural progression, where each line grows in length and meaning, echoing the way life itself unfolds—incrementally, beautifully, and with internal logic.

In practice, a Fibonacci poem often begins with a single-syllable word—perhaps a noun or verb that sets the tone. The next line mirrors this brevity, followed by a two-syllable phrase, then three, five, eight, and so on. This expansion creates a cascading effect, where the poem opens like a flower or unfurls like a fern. The increasing syllable count challenges the poet to balance brevity with depth, especially in the early lines, and to maintain coherence as the lines grow longer and more expressive.

For example, a Fibonacci poem might begin:

Sun. Rain. Warm earth. Growth begins. Petals open wide. Spirals form in flowers and leaves. Numbers weave through every living thing—mathematical.

This poem not only follows the syllabic pattern but also thematically aligns with the sequence’s natural origins. The imagery of sun, rain, and growth mirrors the Fibonacci spiral found in plants, while the final line explicitly connects the mathematical structure to the living world. In this way, the form and content reinforce each other, creating a harmonious interplay between number and meaning.

Beyond syllables, some poets experiment with Fibonacci poems using word counts or visual arrangements, further exploring the relationship between mathematics and language. These variations maintain the spirit of the form while offering new avenues for creativity. Whether strict or flexible, Fibonacci poetry invites writers to engage with constraint as a generative force, using numerical patterns to shape emotional and intellectual expression.

The Fibonacci poem is more than a novelty—it is a meditation on growth, order, and beauty. It reminds us that mathematics is not separate from art, but rather a hidden architecture that underlies much of what we find beautiful in the world. By writing within the Fibonacci sequence, poets participate in a tradition that spans nature, science, and literature, crafting verses that spiral outward with intention and grace.