The poetry world is constantly evolving, with new forms and styles emerging. One such intriguing development is the sonku, a fusion of the sonnet and haiku. While poet Andrew Benson Brown recently generated buzz with his “haiku-sonnet,” it appears the form, originally termed the “haiku sonnet,” predates him, having been developed by David Marshall over two decades ago. This article delves into the sonku, exploring its structure, variations, and potential.
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Structure and Rhyme: Defining the Sonku
The sonku’s framework consists of four haikus, totaling twelve lines, followed by a rhyming couplet. This structure presents a unique challenge, demanding both concision and a broader narrative arc. While Marshall’s original haiku sonnet didn’t employ rhyme, Benson Brown’s version introduces a rhyme scheme, adding another layer of complexity. This has led to variations in the final couplet’s rhyming pattern, offering poets a chance to experiment and personalize the form.
Examples of the Sonku in Action
Andrew Benson Brown’s “The Fall of Time” offers a compelling example of the sonku:
Thinning coat of frost
Whitening the ground with grief—
Love forever lost
Wrinkles on the leaf
Yellowing a lawn undone—
Beauty all too brief
Spots upon the sun
Reddening a field long dry—
Ripeness on the run
Cracks along the sky
Blackened by heaven’s treasons—
Bluer days gone by
Why keep growing on?
Sprinkles of reasons: Her smiles
renew the seasons
This poem effectively uses imagery of decay to evoke a sense of loss and the passage of time, culminating in a poignant reflection on resilience and renewal.
Paul A. Freeman’s “What’s a Sonku?” takes a more meta approach, describing the form itself in a playful, self-referential sonku:
A sonku is a form
of seasoned sonnet-haiku—
a melting spring storm.
Four haikus will do,
a twelve-line starting quartet,
with a couplet due.
A rhyme scheme? You bet!
Though you may need to tinker,
but then you are set.
If you’re a drinker,
stay sober, or you might write
a frightful stinker.
The couplet to finish,
shouldn’t be trite; pen something profound,
nostalgic or light.
Freeman’s poem serves as both an explanation and an invitation for poets to explore the sonku.
The Sonku’s Potential: A Canvas for Creativity
The sonku’s blend of brevity and depth offers poets a unique platform for expression. The haiku segments encourage concise imagery and emotional impact, while the concluding couplet provides space for reflection or resolution. This hybrid form challenges poets to weave together fragmented moments into a cohesive whole, making it a fertile ground for experimentation and innovation. Whether exploring themes of nature, love, loss, or even the nature of poetry itself, the sonku offers a dynamic and exciting new form for poets to embrace.
Embrace the Challenge: Crafting Your Own Sonku
The sonku, while seemingly simple in structure, offers a complex and rewarding challenge for poets. Its fusion of haiku and sonnet creates a space for both concise imagery and deeper reflection, demanding a deft hand at crafting language. We encourage you to explore this emerging form and discover the potential within its unique constraints. Share your own sonku creations and contribute to the evolution of this captivating poetic hybrid.