How to Write Senryu
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How to Write Senryu
Introduction
A senryu poem has the haiku structure and is often confused with it. Named after its inventor, Senryu Karai, the poem's topic centers on human nature, particularly the dark side. Cynicism or dark humor can underlie the images. Modern senryu can be a form of flash fiction, like a snapshot of a situation but layered with meaning. Follow these steps to write one of these poems.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Steps
1
Step One
Read as many senryu examples as you can find. It's tricky because it's difficult to find publications or websites devoted exclusively to this form. Simply Haiku is an online literary magazine that features a senryu section.
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Step Two
Decide on the message you want to convey in your poem. Tap into your experiences with your family, friends, coworkers and authority figures. See the lighter side of human nature.
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Step Three
Pick a central situation, image or symbol. Like the haiku, a senryu doesn't use complex language to convey its meaning. These poems are good training for focused thinking.
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Step Four
Count the syllables in each of your lines. Like the haiku, a senryu has three lines with a total of 17 syllables or less.
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Step Five
Identify your setting in one line and write about your subject and the action in the other two lines. Here's an example from Senryu Karai, the inventor of this form: "Catching him/you see the robber/is your son."
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Step Six
Practice this form of poetry. It looks easier than it is. You have to convey a profound idea about human nature in three short lines averaging 5 to 6 syllables each.
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Step Seven
Enter your senryu in a contest or submit it to a literary journal. You could win $100 from the Haiku Society of America. Though Simply Haiku doesn't pay for submissions, it's a nice publication credit to have.
Tips & Warnings
- While personal experience can inspire a senryu, you should expand your meaning to make an observation about humanity in general.
- You can use nature imagery but only as a symbol of a darker message, not as the centerpiece of the poem as in a haiku.
- Don't use senryu as rants against humanity. Instead, shine a light into human nature.
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