The renku takes the form of a three line haiku (no more than 17 syllables), followed by a response of two lines (no more than 14 syllables). Sounds simple enough, but that’s when it gets a little complicated. We need to link and shift, so:
The link and shift:
- Each new verse should link to the previous one
- The new verse should shift the renku on to new material, when compared to the previous but one verse
What are the types of link:
- Object linkages: physical associations between objects, space or time
- Meaning linkages: linking words in adjacent verses, perhaps using association, comparison, or contrast
- Scent linkages: linking the emotion or mood
Extra rules:
- Don’t use a noun that has been used in an existing verse.
If you would like to join in and submit a verse have a look at the current renku and submit
