What is meant by 'Renku'?
In current
English usage the word 'Renga' has become a generic term for all forms
of linked verse. The high style of medieval Japanese linked verse
to which the word 'Renga' might more properly apply is now often distinguished
by a qualifying term such as 'Classical Renga'. The word 'Renku',
a relative neologism, is generally reserved for that genre of contemporary
linked verse derived from the Basho school of 'Haikai-no-Renga'.
What does the Renku Column of Simply Haiku publish?
There
are a number of excellent publications which feature renga - linked
verse - as it is broadly intended. The Renku Column of Simply Haiku
concentrates therefore on the promotion of renku as a specific genre.
In addition to the text of the poems themselves, the column publishes
technical articles, commentaries by participants, general queries,
and critical appreciations by readers.
What are the indicative editorial criteria?
Though
it is the column's intention to promote both excellence and experimentation,
in the first instance preference will be given to those poems which
demonstrate a clear understanding of the core structural and aesthetic
characteristics of contemporary renku.
Poems
will therefore be largely un-themed, and employ the progressive compositional
dynamic commonly described as 'link and shift'. They will tend to
be multi-authorial and, where appropriate, written in cognisance of
folio or movement divisions. Guidance from a lead-poet or master is
encouraged. Though an appreciation of the function of seasonal reference
is a minimum requirement, the adoption of the Japanese seasonal almanac
(saijiki) is not obligatory.
Are
there additional guidelines?
- All submissions
to Simply Haiku are subject to the general conditions set out
in the guidelines.
- Poems should
be in English or English translation. Where possible, translations
should be accompanied by the original text. This text may also
be published.
- No more than
two pieces should be submitted by a given group of poets at any
one time.
- The submission
of a poem is deemed proof that appropriate permission(s) have
been obtained from all participants.
- The inclusion
of a Tomegaki (lead-poet's debrief) and/or one or more Kanso (appreciations)
by participating poets is actively encouraged. The full text,
or extracts, may be published.
- Articles are
invited from all persons on all aspects of Renku composition.
Letters of inquiry are welcomed.
- Readers' comments
and queries are invited both on specific aspects of the column's
content and on the literary genre in general.
- Please place
'Renku Column' and a further identifying name or title in the
'subject' window of all correspondence
Thank
you.
~ john
e c
