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PokéPoetry! #10: 5-7-5 (Haiku) Edition
In other words, we’re making Pokémon haiku!
1. Signups
In previous iterations, we had you declare a poetry style in your reservation post. Now, just simply state your intent with an “I’m interested!” or “sign me up!” You can also use your post to ask questions. Feel free to ask any time during the competition or PM @Turtwig.
2. Style
In this iteration of PokéPoetry!, we ask you to write a short poem in the style of a haiku, senryū, or a 3-ish line poem more akin to free verse. What do any of these mean?
A haiku is a three-line poem with Japanese origins and often depicts characteristics of nature. The format is usually in a format of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables in its 3 lines, respectively. Here’s an example by @Scorched Feathers found here:
Pokémon: Illumise
The bright glowing tail
Dancing in the moonlight with
Its only true love
The bright glowing tail
Dancing in the moonlight with
Its only true love
In this poem, Scorched Feathers did an excellent example of 5-7-5. Here’s a counting breakdown
The (1) bright (2) glow (3) ing (4) tail (5)
Danc (1) ing (2) in (3) the (4) moon (5) light (6) with (7)
Its (1) on (2) ly (3) true (4) love (5)
If you need more guidance on syllables, here’s a great video you can skip through for some help! Of course, making an error or two is fine.
The (1) bright (2) glow (3) ing (4) tail (5)
Danc (1) ing (2) in (3) the (4) moon (5) light (6) with (7)
Its (1) on (2) ly (3) true (4) love (5)
If you need more guidance on syllables, here’s a great video you can skip through for some help! Of course, making an error or two is fine.
3. Content
Once signups have closed, I will use a random Pokémon generator to determine the focus of your individual haiku. Learning about a Pokemon you haven’t really used before can give you some new inspiration and maybe lead to a new favorite! For your poem, we recommend you research Pokédex entries and lore to make a meaningful piece fit for your species. Titles are optional but encouraged!
Haiku are known to emphasize nature and changing seasons. With Pokémon as our focus, describing them in their natural habitat can be fun and tranquil.
There is also the senryū poem, which is styled like a haiku in 5-7-5 but deals with humanity and darker contexts. These can also be more playful, so you may enjoy this more than a traditional haiku.
But like any poetry contest, we want you to have fun. Making any themed poem based on your randomly-selected Pokemon will work so long as you follow the 3-line guidelines.
4. Plagiarism
Any instances of plagiarism will result in disqualification from the contest. Please use your own creativity, even if you aren’t a seasoned poet, personality often shines brightest!
5. Grammar
Because haiku is a strict poem form, it’s not uncommon to misuse spelling and grammar to clench syllable numbers. Still, please make sure you spell things correctly if it isn’t for a rhetorical purpose.
6. Submission (New)
In previous contests, we had you edit your poem in your reservation post. However, this time I’m asking you to submit your poem in a new comment after I post that the writing phase has begun. This change is an attempt to make finding these poems easier during the voting phase! I will also link poems back to the participant list in the OP.
7. Voting
Voting is open to anyone, not just participants! You are allowed to vote for up to 3 entries that you think deserve the win. You can vote in a few ways: you can like the poem’s post, PM @Turtwig, or DM Turtwig#1542 on discord if you’d like to remain anonymous.
Please pay attention to when the voting phase begins! Even if the first poem posted becomes the winner, keep your three tallies until all submissions are available. Thank you!
Tentative schedule:
5/13 Signups begin!
5/17 Signups end and Pokemon are assigned. Entries may be posted any time before voting.
5/24 Entries are due and voting begins!
5/27 Voting ends and winners are announced!
If a poem here really catches your eye, let that author know in the thread! A few words can go a long way and feedback is always appreciated. And if you enjoyed writing your haiku, consider starting a poetry thread here in Creative Works! Your work can be about anything, not just Pokemon!
List of Contestants.
1. @Vom - Manaphy Posted!
2. @Jadethepokemontrainer - Croagunk Posted!
3. @Ephemera - Lunala Posted!
4. @FourteenAlmonds - Growlithe Posted!
5. @Dravinator - Obstagoon Posted!
6. @Mega Mewthree... - Empoleon Posted!
7. @Serperior - Whiscash Posted!
8. @scattered mind - Fomantis Posted!
9. @mirdo - Heracross Posted!
10. @Blakers -
11. @PMJ - Klefki Posted!
12. @RealArity - Treecko Posted!
13. @Babywinds - Bastiodon
14. @Rhydon_Rider_0-o - Forretress Posted!
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