Tuesday, July 10, 2012

How To Write A Renhai

What is a Renhai?  Canadian poet, Vaughn Seward invented the Renhai in August 2007. Renhai is a themed collaborative form of linked verse designed for two haijin; however, it may also be written by one haiku poet.  Below is a definition and a step by step how to do it guide.


Renhai Minimum Definition:

1. Three independent haiku (formatted as 3-lines, 2-lines, 3-lines).

2. Each haiku (verse) links uniquely to the other two verses in some way.
3. Each verse references at least one common theme.

4. A seasonal reference (kigo) is desired. If there is a season then only one season is referenced by at least one verse. If there is no kigo then the renhai should be nature-based and would be considered "Non-seasonal" or "All season".

5. There is an appropriate title.

How the verses link, what constitutes an appropriate title, and other details such as format and style are refinements that are left up to the writers.


Seven Steps to Composing a Renhai (Forward method):
1. Getting Started: to agree on a season in which to write
2. Write the Middle Verse, First Line (partner 1)
3. Write the Middle Verse, Second Line (partner 2)
4. Choose a Theme
5. Write the Third Verse (partner 1)
6. Write the First Verse (partner 2)
7. Choose a Title


Here is a more detailed introduction:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/renhai/message/938

And here is a step-by-step tutorial:
http://tinyurl.com/3br8ph

from Renhai Studio

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