Friday, June 29, 2007

Rules for new renga: found poetry?

We're looking for rules for a new renga. After having considered the variety of rengas we could take up, the most appealing one (suggested by Sneza, fleshed out by Janet, constructed by HAT) is the idea of renga comprised of found poetry. As I said to Sneza and Janet: I think it would be interesting to restrict ourselves to finding poetry within certain titles and subtitles of books and plays but no films or music. It is a way of paying homage to the great body of literature of which we are part. It may also be a way of paying homage to (or mocking or parodying or idolizing or defiling?) the writers whom we envy/love/idolize/imitate.

The only thing we're missing is a particular theme or subject around which to build this renga. Something traditional like love or war, or something wildly different? I would prefer something wildly different, but my only concern is that we maintain balance. Should the experimental conceit of found poetry renga be balanced by some traditional subject? So much to consider...

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