Hiya 😊
The NaPoWriMo site said:
Our (optional) prompt for the day is to write a sijo. This is a traditional Korean poetic form. Like the haiku, it has three lines, but the lines are much longer. Typically, they are 14-16 syllables, and optimally each line will consist of two parts – like two sentences, or a sentence of two clauses divided by a comma. In terms of overall structure, a sijo functions like an abbreviated sonnet, in that the first line sets up an inquiry or discussion, the second line continues the discussion, and the third line resolves it with a “twist” or surprise. For more on the sijo, check out the primer here and a long list of examples in English, here.
I found this tricky. I wanted to write something quickly because I started late, but I had to slow down and think about how I was supposed to construct this Sijo. How annoying, huh?
So:
3-4-4-4 (15)
3-4-4-4 (15)
3-5, 4-3 (15)
is the syllable pattern outlined in the first link the site gave me, and it has to go: line one = theme line two = elaboration and then line three = twist and conclusion.
this was my first one:
A perfect, well-positioned, all mod-conned out, marital home.
Village life, four gorgeous kids, decent cars and a well-paid job.
Alcohol. Covid takes its toll. Sudden lay-offs – depression.
Unfortunately, it’s clunky and cobbled together. I had one more try:
In my tree, the fluffy clouds form pictures and sometimes birds come.
I stay still, listening hard. It smells like rain and foliage.
My children call me down for tea. I hid my pills by the swing.
There’s so much to poetry that I only learn through these prompts! I like the second one better, but I’ll still not be winning any competitions with a Sijo just yet 😉
It’s nearly kid collecting time again!
Take care and I’ll ‘see’ you on the flip side…can you believe that’s me two thirds of the way through NaPo for another year?!
Monty X
[pic is from here]
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April 20th, 2021 at 3:18 pm
I also prefer the second one which is rather pleasingly thought provoking
April 21st, 2021 at 10:37 am
🙂 It hides the inner workings of the form better, I feel, and the reader can just focus on the content.
May 2nd, 2021 at 8:04 pm
Ohh, I really love the second one. Not just because In My Tree is one of my favourite songs (by Pearl Jam). 😉
May 2nd, 2021 at 8:51 pm
Aww yaay 🙂 I always feel I lean out of my tree a lot 😂