After the Sixku, I would like to tell you about the Kindku, a new poetry form that I co-created with David Ellis.
(David and I co-founded Auroras & Blossoms and PoArtMo as well.)
We came up with the idea during NaPoWriMo this year. We wanted to take specific aspects of our own poetry styles and combine them into something completely unique. The result is a challenging but fun form that we both know you will enjoy.
The Kindku is inspired by Japanese poetry like haiku or tanka and Found Poetry. This seven-line poem follows a 7 / 5 / 7 / 5 / 7 / 5 / 7 or 5 / 7 / 5 / 7 / 5 / 7 / 5 syllable pattern (so 43 syllables in total). It must include seven words taken from one specific source (e.g., poem, book, newspaper article...). If it is a book or long piece of writing, those words must come from the same page.
Words must be used in the order they were found and placed as follows:
- Lines 1, 3 and 5 start with word 1, 3 and 5.
- Lines 2, 4 and 6 end with word 2, 4 and 6.
- Line 7 starts or ends with word 7
While titles and punctuation are optional, the tone of the Kindku must always be positive. Poets are also encouraged to credit and link to the inspirations behind their pieces.
Here is the first Kindku I wrote:
Art Writes ItselfArt writes itself in the heart before otherthings;intent lingers for a while invitingpractice,lost hope to find a new map. on thiscontinent you are the onlymaster. - Kindku inspired byElizabeth Bishop's One Ar © 2020 Cendrine Marrouat
(The bolded words are taken from the poem that inspired my piece. You do not have to do the same with the ones you use from other sources.)
Here is a little video that introduces the Kindku.
It's your turn now! Can you write a Kindku?
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