SIJO

SIJO  (from Shadow Poetry Handbook)
A short Korean poetry form consisting of three lines,
each line having a total of 14-16 syllables in four groups
ranging from 2 to 7 (but usually 3 or 4) syllables, with a natural pause at the end of the second group and a major pause after the fourth group.

The third line often introduces a resolution, a touch of humor, or a turn of thought.

Nature is often the subject matter of these poems like traditional haiku."

Either narrative or thematic,
this lyric verse introduces a truth (perhaps a problem) in line 1,
development (called a turn) in line 2,
and a strong conclusion beginning with a surprise (a twist) in line 3,
which resolves tensions or questions raised by the other lines
and provides a memorable ending.


Example Poem

Surprise Test

Trained by nature over time, learned and changed my DNA. 

Teacher springs surprise exam; tough, could be season ending. 

Snow bonnet fends off freezing adds resilience to my beauty. 

 (C) Lawrencealot - July 23, 2012

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