Perfect Number Poem
A Perfect Number Poem is a mathematical constraint poem inspired by perfect numbers. In mathematics, a perfect number is a number that equals the sum of its proper divisors. For example, 6 is perfect because 1 + 2 + 3 = 6. The number 28 is perfect because 1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28. The next perfect number is 496.

In poetry, a Perfect Number Poem may use perfect numbers as syllable counts, word counts, line counts, stanza counts, or letter-count patterns. Because larger perfect numbers become difficult to use, most practical Perfect Number Poems use 6 and 28, or the divisor sequences that create them.

A Perfect Number Poem often includes: mathematical structure, counted syllables or words, divisor patterns, balance, compression, and a sense of harmony or completion. The poem may be serious, comic, philosophical, playful, scientific, spiritual, or experimental.

There are several useful versions. A whole-number Perfect Number Poem may use a 6-syllable line followed by a 28-syllable line. A divisor-sequence Perfect Number Poem may use lines of 1, 2, and 3 syllables, because those numbers add to 6. A longer divisor-sequence version may use lines of 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 syllables, because those numbers add to 28. An informal version may use word count instead of syllable count. A letter-count version may use words whose letter counts follow the divisor sequence.

A perfect Number Poem
1+2+3=6
Hope
Be still
In the dark
1+2+4+7+14=28
Hope
Be still–
Dreams softly call–
Guiding hearts through night’s embrace–
Seeking light anew where children laugh and play in the day.

This poem follows the divisor-sequence version of the Perfect Number Poem. The first section uses lines of 1, 2, and 3 syllables, totaling 6. The second section uses lines of 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 syllables, totaling 28. The mathematical pattern creates the structure, while the poem itself moves from hope to guidance and renewal.

Informal Perfect Number Poem
1+2+3=6
No!
Take pity?
My head hurts.
1+2+4+7+14=28
Why?
Why not?
Math is just numbers.
Numbers are not for lovers of words.
What possible benefit can be had to dabble in theories of prime and perfect?

This informal version uses word count instead of syllable count. The first section has lines of 1, 2, and 3 words. The second section has lines of 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 words. The comic tone suits the difficulty of the form by pretending to resist the very math that creates the poem.
Letter-Count Perfect Number Poem
A letter-count Perfect Number Poem uses the number of letters in each word to represent the divisor sequence. For 6, the poet may use words of 1, 2, and 3 letters. For 28, the poet may use words of 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 letters. The final word or phrase may equal the perfect number itself.
We are equal, so what’s the riddle?
I am you = Riddle.

This follows the 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 pattern because “I” has 1 letter, “am” has 2 letters, and “you” has 3 letters. “Riddle” has 6 letters. As does the next example:
Metal
I am ion = A metal

The Long and Short of It
I vs. them; science, macroevolution = antidisestablishmentarianism

This follows the 1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28 pattern. “I” has 1 letter, “vs” has 2 letters, “them” has 4 letters, “science” has 7 letters, and “macroevolution” has 14 letters. “Antidisestablishmentarianism” has 28 letters.

EDTA
I am EDTA reduced malcontentedly = ethylenediaminetetraacetates

This also follows the 1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28 pattern. “I” has 1 letter, “am” has 2 letters, “EDTA” has 4 letters, “reduced” has 7 letters, and “malcontentedly” has 14 letters. “Ethylenediaminetetraacetates” has 28 letters.
Perfect Number Poem is a WoPoLi mathematical constraint form. A stricter version uses exact syllable counts based on perfect numbers or their proper divisors. A looser version may use word counts, letter counts, equations, chemical terms, long words, or visual formulas, provided the poem clearly reflects the mathematics of perfect numbers.