Informal Notes on The Japanese Renku

A Renku is an endless poem consisting of alternating three- and two-line stanzas. The fist stanza consists of three lines while the second contains two lines. This pattern repeats indefinitely, or until a specified and predetermined date and time of its conclusion. Each stanza is written by a different poet and attempts to change the focus, utilize mixed images, borrow syntax or otherwise thwart expectations set up by the previous stanza.

The Japanese tradition of Renku suggests that the beginning stanzas include compliments about and generally acknowledge the graciousness of the host.

Ways to shift focus and link stanzas in surprising ways:

1) kotobazuke (link through words): Observe rhymes, existing repetition, puns, familiar phrases, grammar or syntax and carry them through. For example, if the first line of one stanza is something like “The man in the hat,” you may want to consider using the same syntax but with a very different subject, like “The car in the street.” Alternately, free associate with words and images. For example, if the previous stanza has a word like “goggles,” it makes me think of “google,” which makes think of searching, so I may write about searching. If the previous stanza uses a word like “sleep” it makes me think of a rhyme, like “sheep”, so maybe I will include something about sheep (sheep searching, searching sheep, shepherds searching for sheep…)

2) monokuze (shift through things/use contrast): Ask a question to which there is no answer, deepen the observation or present an opposite or contrasting mood. If it’s dark, lighten it. If it’s active, present a still setting, if it is quiet, add some noise.

3) ioizuke,  a.k.a./ “scent” (shift mood or feeling): Like syncopation, add an unexpected element to the mood. Use a metaphor or change the setting.

4) Finally, do not explain connections: resist the temptation to explain the image you have presented.

For a pre-Renku exercise, students work  with the Haiku three line concept, but discard the 3-5-3 syllabic restrictions (as Japanese doesn’t adapt to that English language parameter very well).

Here are a few exercises:

Focus: Look at an image, then deepen your focus; don’t worry about making connections.

Image: Sheep in a field.

Response: First Stanza

Second Stanza:

Focus: Contrast the mood that has been established; present its opposite

Prompt: Small boat in calm harbor

Response:

Third

Focus: Ask a question/add a person

Prompt: The cat returns after eleven nights

Response: