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. 


Related Forms: Alphabet Haiku,  Crystalline,  Haibun,  Haiga,  Haiku,  Haikuette,  Kimo, Lune, Pixiku, Rhaiku, Sijo, Ukiah, Zip

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. 

 © July 23, 2012

Visual Template