And Things Unwound
written by: Jerome Berglund and Christina Chin
the pink petals of spring’s first blush
chicory in her coffee
steam curls the cat yawns
clink of one cent in the sunbeam
skulking wasp lifts nightcrawler and carries it off
love grass on the blue jeans
have a european sensibility, these weeds
squirrel buries her ring under fall leaves
to the quick… exhausting moon
empty spool that was summer
the well bucket frozen mid-air
put a kettle on
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
A 12-stanza renku style, known as Shisan or Junicho, involves collaborative linked verses following specific patterns, often featuring alternating 5-7-5 and 7-7 syllable stanzas (ku) with “link and shift” connections, divided into sections (four in Shisan), incorporating seasonal words, and building towards a thematic close, moving beyond strict narrative for a mosaic of images, as seen in modern forms allowing more flexibility than classical styles.
Key Characteristics of a 12-Verse Renku (Shisan/Junicho)
Name: Shisan (Four Sections, Three Verses Each) or Junicho (Twelve Verses).
Structure: Typically 12 stanzas (verses or ku), alternating between 5-7-5 (three lines) and 7-7 (two lines) syllable patterns.
Collaboration: Written by multiple poets, taking turns to add verses, creating a “link and shift” flow.
Sections: Shisan is specifically divided into four sections (introduction, two middle, closing).
Thematic Elements: Focuses on nature, seasons (incorporating kigo or season words), and sometimes love, but not as a linear story.
Progression: Each new verse links to the one before it but shifts the focus, creating a dynamic mosaic rather than a narrative.
Modern Flexibility: Contemporary versions, especially junicho, may relax classical rules, allowing seasons to appear more freely.
Example Stanza Flow (Simplified)
Hokku (Verse 1): 5-7-5 (Sets the initial season/scene).
Verse 2: 7-7 (Links to Verse 1, shifts focus).
Verse 3: 5-7-5 (Links to Verse 2, shifts again).
… continuing the alternating pattern for 12 verses.
In essence, a 12-stanza renku provides a concise yet rich collaborative experience, showcasing shifting perspectives and imagery linked by poetic connections.
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