Traditional: line limit 3,
with 5-7-5 syllable count and
nature word (for haiku; not neces sary for senryu, which are about people,
situations, etc.)
Modern
- line limit, up to 4.
No fixed syllable count, but preferably no more than 17.
Suggestions:
1.
Use no personification as in your other poems.
2.
Tell it like it is, not like what it reminds you of.
3.
Watch redundancies; don't waste precious syllables.
4.
Two lines should be related as a complete phrase; the other line a different
image. OR
5.
One image in three lines.
6.
Complete sentences not necessary; no capitalization necessary at the beginning ,
the beginning of lines or punctuation at the end.
7.
No titles except Haiku or Senryu.
8.
Stay away from cutesy word plays, puns, abstractions. Not every 3-line,
17-syllable sentence is automatically a haiku or senryu.
9.
Use no similes or
blatant metaphors.
10.
Use no commentary.
11.
No lesson, sermon or
moral, please
Multiple submissions
allowed, 2 poems $1 or 50 cents each, which will be used for prizes. Up to 10 poems
per page. Limit 20 poems. Submissions should be snail-mailed with
first-class postage. No certified letters; I live 5 miles from town.
Deadline:
Entries must be
postmarked by February 28, 2010.
Pat Laster, Calliope
Contributing Editor will be the sole judge. All decisions are final.
E-critiques of your poems available if desired--after the contest.
Reading fees will be subsidized by the judge to allow suitable prize
amounts.
Clearly identify yourself and your entries with all pertinent
information including email (see above). Identify your entries on the
envelope as CALLIOPE CONTEST. Send to:
Pat Laster
Calliope Contest
7433 Samples Road
Benton, AR 72015