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Member-Sponsored Haiku Break Contest

Member-Sponsored Haiku Break Contest

Details

Deadline:Nov 30, 2012
Fee:Free

Who hasn’t written a haiku? At school? On a whim? Deceptively small and compact, haiku are the sushi of poetry, surprisingly complex and full of meaning. They're easy to write, but much more difficult to write well.

For this challenge, you're going to write 3-5 (5 tops) haiku about something you are thankful for. As long as it isn't a someone, but a something, any subject you are thankful for is acceptable.

The traditional haiku in English consists of 17 syllables, divided into a 5-7-5 format. Basically, a three line poem, with carefully counted and constructed lines. Most modern haiku consist of fewer than 17 syllables and are written in one, two, three and four lines as well as a variety of shapes. Haiku focuses on nature, frequently includes or suggests a season word (kigo), and relates a moment of discovery/surprise (the "aha!" moment). Also, within the haiku, a pivotal point (a pause) shifts to another image, thereby dividing the poem into two parts. The pivot occurs at the end of the first or second line.

For some good examples of haiku, check out the following journals:

  • Heron's Nest
  • Frogpond
  • Modern Haiku

So the question is, how do you haiku?

Winning entries

Winners have been announced! Log in to see them.

Prizes

1st prize:$50 cash via PayPal
2nd prize:$30 cash via PayPal
3rd prize:$20 cash via PayPal
4th prize:$15 cash via PayPal
5th prize:$10 cash via PayPal

Rules

  • Entries must be received before midnight of Friday, November 30th (UTC time) and the winner will be announced within two weeks of that date.

  • Entries must be 3-5 haiku about something you're thankful for. Something, not someone.

  • Only one entry per member, please. Include all your haiku in one entry. Multiple entries will all be disqualified.

  • Work must have Public visibility on Scribophile until winners are announced.

  • Winners must have a valid Paypal account, or we won't be able to send the prize money!

Submission guidelines

  • To enter the contest, post your work on Scribophile and check the box that says "Enter this work into the Member-Sponsored Haiku Break Contest." Your work will automatically be considered. The checkbox will be visible until the contest deadline, which is in UTC time.

  • Entry is free, but you'll need karma points to post your work. You can earn karma points by writing critiques of work by other members.

  • If you have placed in a contest in the past with a particular piece, you may not resubmit that piece in other contests.

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