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January 2014
Renku
Experimental Renku of sixteen stanzas,
in four movements
by Tzetzka Ilieva and William Sorlien
Quartet: Bronze Frog
one more scooter
darts through the intersection -
lingering heat
half-thawed mooncakes
on a plate by the sink
the mission priest
adding water to wine,
testing our spirit
before the aria
the tenor's bated breath
***
with a swish and thump!
a pinecone makes its way
to the ground
the school girl's glasses
gotten frosty in the cold
some pink, some orange -
yarn bombed seats
in the morning train
our new sales promotion
geared to get results
***
rumor has it
uncle took a bride
without a dowry
a timid man is late
to view the blossom
one leg stretched,
the bronze frog pauses ...
before moving again
a daub of fresh paint
on the old tavern's crest
***
sign spinners
their dexterous displays
on every other corner
scraps from verses
we haven't yet written
does anyone remember
the year
without a summer?
fields of rosemary
from here to the horizon
Composed by E-mail, November 1 to 24, 2013
Tzetzka Ilieva, Georgia , USA
William Sorlien , Minnesota , USA
Sorlien: 1, 3, 6, 8. 10, 12, 13, 15
Ilieva: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16
We might call it Quartet. Or 4 by 4, even 4 x 4. An all-wheel drive vehicle it is not, though some may be call it utilitarian. In the hands of skilled writers, it may almost become art.
An invention of one John E. Carley, Rossendale, Lancashire , UK , the Quartet is an experiment in diversity. Gathering four distinct movements while drawing from classical renku structure, the form introduces aspects of ushin-renga practice, primarily from the inclusion of the topic of religion. The original synopsis notes follow:
Four movements of four verses each. One season in each movement.
The sequence starts with any season the participants choose. Seasons follow calendar order.
Even number of season and non-season verses. Each season takes a pair of verses. Minimum separation by a pair of non-season verses.
Traditional approach has moon and blossom associated with autumn and spring. Freer approach has them in any season.
Love takes a pair of verses. The fixed topic of religion is reintroduced from renga. This also takes a pair.
No season, fixed topic or category group may persist for more than a pair of verses.
Each movement is intended to have a distinct dynamic tenor but not necessarily that of jo-ha-kyu
This is the second attempt of this experimental form. A third has been completed, while at the time of this writing, a fourth poem is just under way.
The two verse maximum of topic implies restraint; certainly a damper on extended, madly poetic runs of verse. But in this challenge lies the charm. Some subtle interplay is at hand for those who take on the Quartet. Evocative imagery is inspired in only the minimum of stanzas.
Attuned to the changes of mood and tenor in each of four sections, the brevity of design implements rapid movement within. For those who like a ripping yarn - taken at the quick march - the format is ultimately pleasing. For the poet, a stimulating experience of ingenuity of diversification and linkage awaits. And, a skillful composition may create poetry that excels in prosody and feeling.
(Note by William Sorlien)
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