The elements of a sijo

[kellyrfineman]

As mentioned in yesterday's post, the sijo is a three-line poem. Except, of course, when it's not, since the lines tend to be long, and are therefore often rendered in six lines when written in English. (As an aside, sijo that are rendered in translation often do not meet most of the syllabic requirements - they met them in Korean, and now they are

Comments

[mdhbarnes]

For a three line poem, this form seems pretty darn complicated! I'm eager to get my hands on a copy of TAP DANCING ON THE ROOF, though. Thanks for introducing me to the sijo, Kelly.

[kellyrfineman]

It does have a lot of rules, but in the end they aren't all that complicated. And if you poke around, you'll see that not everyone follows them. Robert Lee Brewer did the sijo on Poetic Asides at Writer's Digest, and even in his demo poem, he sort of misses some of the elements he established, while writing a sweet poem.

We should do these...

[ext_709338]

...they're complex, but weirdly simple.

I'm still snickering at the "one hamster" in one's pocket... those are some baggy jeans. And a very docile rodent... one hopes.

Re: We should do these...

[kellyrfineman]

Linda Sue Park's collection for kids is great. And I agree, we ought to do these. Although there's been a call to engage in some renga, as well - maybe as a side project, since Mary Lee is going to play too!

[ext_1565055]

The poem by Linda Sue Park is perfect for this coming week, Poem In Your Pocket day. I've bookmarked this, Kelly, will try it. Thanks much!

[kellyrfineman]

Will you have room for both a hamster AND a poem?

[ext_1476872]

Now that I thoroughly (thank you) understand how these work, I want to go back and re-read Linda Sue Park's book!!

[kellyrfineman]

Her book rocks!!