Written for: Carpe Diem #1790 & 1791 (double episode)
Revise haiku – A Lovely Sunset
For this episode I love to challenge you to “revise” a haiku. That haiku is one by Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), the haiku-poet that I see as my master:
A Lovely Sunset (photo © Hernan Pauccara)
in the twilight rain
these brilliant-hued hibiscus –
a lovely sunset.
© Basho
A wonderful haiku by the master.
fiery sunset
silver threads through twilight rain
flaming hibiscus
© Sara McNulty
#1791: Soliloquy No Renga
The second episode I love to challenge you with is a Soliloquy No Renga, or a solo-renga. I will give you a haiku that you have to use as the starting verse (hokku) of your Soliloquy No Renga. For this kind of Renga you have to create at least a renga with six stanza and a maximum of twelve stanza. Your closing verse (ageku) has to close the “chain”.

Bare Branches (photo© Floraandfauna(2)
Here is your starting verse (hokku):
I have chosen a haiku by Yozakura, the Unknown Haiku Poet, a beauty I think to work with.
hokku:
bare branches
a painting against the blue sky
leaves under my feet © Yozakura
they crackle and crunch dryness
carpet that needs to be swept
winter blue sky
pale patches peek through bare limbs
color of coming snow
snow decorates branches
natural trim for a tree
chatter from tree top
sparrows and robins visible
perched on snowy cover
age-ku:
a still life holiday card
artists busy painting