#Imayo – Specific form Challenge

Published on by balroop singh

This week’s challenge is to write an Imayo poem. Your subject must be about a 🦃bird! 🐦‍⬛ It can be any type of bird. 

The Imayo is a literal poem, which does not include symbolism, allegory etc. I’ve tried to follow all the rules of this form, keeping all the symbols out though symbolism creeps into my poems, unawares. This Japanese form is comprised of four 12-syllable lines. Each line is divided into a 7-syllable and a 5-syllable section, with a hard pause (or caesura) in between. The pause will generally be represented by a comma, semi-colon, or similar punctuation.

Last week, I couldn’t participate in the challenge, as I was having a wonderful get together with my family at Asheville (NC) Also visited the famous landmarks like Mount Mitchell State Park and Pisgah Forest, as we drove on the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway.

Crow

A crow is intelligent – sees hostile humans
recognizes human faces – knows the friendly ones 
heralder of good, bad news – paradoxical 
it may sound even absurd – is problem-solver
© Balroop Singh

***

Crow sits at our roof to caw – unexpected guests
grandma knows why he is there – she prepares more food
I wonder how she discerns – the sounds that convey
whether he brings good tidings – or dismal messages
© Balroop Singh 

***

Thank you Colleen for the inspiration to try new forms of syllabic poetry.

Thanks to all poetry lovers.

If you like poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers

Or hang out with  Hues Of Hope 

A stunning vista of Blue Ridge Parkway

54 thoughts on “#Imayo – Specific form Challenge”

  4. Well, is there any poetry form you stumble to write? I don’t think so. These are lovely. Crows… smart ones, those birds. Well done. Thanks, Balroop. Blessings.

    1. I agree, a crow is the most disliked bird but crows have many interesting beliefs connected with them! Thank you Jacqui for sharing your thoughts.

  7. A wonderful subject for your imayo, Balroop. What an interesting and challenging form. I found it very difficult, but it seems you pulled it off without a problem. Well done.

    1. Thank you Lauren. No form has ever been easy for me but once I decide to challenge myself, I don’t give up. I am glad my struggle doesn’t reflect in my syllabic poems. 😊

  12. Very impressive, Balroop! I couldn’t do it. I have made a note of this form in my poetry journal, so thank you for sharing it. I can maybe challenge myself at a later date. I actually really like crows although their caw can be jarring, they are interesting creatures. I like how you’ve captured them in your Imayo. HUGS.

    1. Thanks Mae. I am new to this form. In fact I avoid literal poems, as they sound so easy but syllabic and literal – it was a double challenge! 😊

  15. “A crow is intelligent – sees hostile humans
    recognizes human faces – knows the friendly ones
    heralder of good, bad news – paradoxical
    it may sound even absurd – is problem-solver”
    So true! Crows and corvids remember specific people who do bad things to them for many years.

    1. Isn’t it amazing? Crows may be unwelcome due to their appearance and irksome cawing but they are so smart! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Cindy.

  19. You did it, Balroop. The imayo works almost like two tanka. You didn’t seem to have a problem doing it. Your poem shows you know the crows very well. Good work!

  21. This is a wonderful poem for the challenge, Balroop. Very succinct and sharp, yet tells a story. Like Annette said in the comments, I also feel I understand crows better now after reading your poem. As you wrote, I also think crows can recognise faces. They know when to stay and know when to take off…but sometimes they can get a bit loud too. I have seen a few crows around here in Melbourne and they have always looked fierce and make you feel rather intimidated 😄

    That is a lovely photo of Blue Ridge Parkway. Very nice that you got to spend some time away with your family and visiting landmarks. Always refreshing to have a getaway. Hope Summer is treating you well and you are well my friend 💕

    1. Thank you Mabel, for a lovely feedback. I agree with you, crows can be very loud and intimidate you sometimes but it is believed that they always have a message.
      A family get-together was long overdue and you know how difficult it is to get everyone together these days! Thank you for your sweet wishes my friend, much appreciated. 🤗🥰

      1. Yes, definitely agree with you that crows always have a message. They also tend to be noticeable among the other birds.

        Always good to meet up with others when you can. It’s such a good feeling when you do. Enjoy the rest of your summer, Balroop 🥰

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