Heavy Smoker's Monologue

A Seoul-based literary and visual arts 'ZINE launching in March 2011 and a BLOG for what's happening in Seoul's art and literary scene. / For submission rules meant to be broken, see our Submit page.

#1HSM / throwing down the gauntlet

The first issue is underway, and by underway, we* mean we’ve been drunkenly talking about it a lot in Hongdae. At some point though, we need to get down to a little less talking and a lot more action. So, here’s the bottom line, we want you to get involved. WE WANT YOU TO SUBMIT BY FEBRUARY 15.  

What we would love for #1HSM: submissions of sijo poetry and a visual medium representing the inspiration of the sijo. Ideally the two are not just alongside of one another, but the visual art provides the background for the words, which are inscribed or set into it. 

Never heard of sijo? Sijo is a form of traditional Korean folk poetry, often set to music. Here are some guidelines from the Sejong Cultural Society:

Sijo are written in three lines, each averaging 14-16 syllables for a total of 44-46 syllables. Each line is written in four groups of syllables that should be clearly differentiated from the other groups, yet still flow together as a single line. Liberties may be taken (within reason) with the number of syllables per group as long as the total syllable count for the line remains the same.

The first line is usually written in a 3-4-4-4 grouping pattern and states the theme of the poem, where a situation generally introduced. The second line is usually written in a 3-4-4-4 pattern (similar to the first) and is an elaboration of the first line’s theme or situation (development). The third line is divided into two sections. The first section, the counter-theme, is grouped as 3-5, while the second part, considered the conclusion of the poem, is written as 4-3. The counter-theme is called the ‘twist,’ which is usually a surprise in meaning, sound, or other device.

Perhaps, it would be easier if we just showed you what we are talking about. This is a sijo by Yun Seondo, reproduced from the Sejong Cultural Society website, as an illustration of the form:

You ask how many friends I have? Water and stone, bamboo and pine. (2-6-4-4)
The moon rising over the eastern hill is a joyful comrade. (2-4-4-6)
Besides these five companions, what other pleasure should I ask? (2-5, 5-3)

Read some more sijo samples. 

What we also might like: any other submissions that combine words with another medium, really we’re not too fussy. If you’ve done something interesting, send it our way. 

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*Currently, we is really just me, Megan Smith, an expat recently returned to Seoul on a one-way ticket. However, I include in that we all the other expats who in a compromised state of intoxication expressed interest (even if that interest was just a vague facial expression) in submitting to this project. 

  1. heavy-smokers-monologue posted this