For Real Toads, we try the Sijo poetic form

For this weekend's Sunday Mini Challenge at the writers' group Imaginary Garden with Real Toads, Kerry introduces the poetic form Sijo (pronounced see-szo), the Korean cousin of the Haiku and the Tanka.

Traditionally, Kerry tells us, Sijo is written in three lines and is based on a syllable count of 14 - 16 per line, but the basis of the rhythm (and the secret art of writing the poem) is the use of 6 short phrases with a break at the mid-point of each line.

Content:
Line 1: Introduction to situation or problem
Line 2: Development of situation (turn)
Line 3: Strong conclusion often with a twist

Some leeway is allowed within the structure but the end result should be between 44 and 46 syllables, she says.

Kerry provides us with several beautiful photos by Jaime Clark as inspiration—an embarrassment of riches, I must say. Here is my choice, and my Sijo.

©  Jaime Clark photo

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