My First Renhai: "Trapped in Loneliness"

Rita Odeh,(ro) Israel and John Daleiden,(jd) US
Trapped in Loneliness

the sudden silence
of the caged love bird...
cloudy sky /ro

a kite trapped in an oak tree-- /jd
the free sparrow's song lingers /ro

at the bistro
she sips wine alone...waiting...
laughter all around /jd




Theme: Trapped / Entrapment; a secondary and parallel theme of loneliness is associated with the trapped theme.
Kigo: Kite--Spring--Observances: The Haiku Handbook. William J. Higginson with Penny Harter, p. 269.

Links 1 / 2: caged bird / trapped kite; caged bird / free sparrow (b)
Links 2 / 3: kite, bird are alone / the woman is alone
Links 3 / 1: laughter / silence (opposite emotions)



Renhai Studio



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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.



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How to Write Renhai:

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