The Renga Game

I previously shared an idea for a poetry game here. @spinnylights suggested that we play over the PM system and you know what? Let’s do it.

Here’s how

  1. If you want to play, simply post one theme idea in this thread. I will add your username to my metaphorical hat. Your theme idea is not guaranteed to be what you write about.

  2. On 2024-05-01T04:00:00Z, I will draw names from the hat and assign everyone a theme through PMs. These assignments will be random.

  3. Once you have an assignment, write a haiku inspired by it. Do not share this haiku publicly. We will reveal all at the end.

  4. On 2024-05-08T04:00:00Z, I will randomly assign participants to someone else who will receive their poem. The person you send the haiku to is not the same as the person who will send you their haiku.

  5. Once you have received a haiku, continue the poem with two 7-syllable lines.

  6. On 2024-05-15T04:00:00Z, I will repeat step 4. Now you will send the 5-line poem to a third person.

  7. Once you receive the 5-line poem, write a haiku to cap it off. The end result should be an 8 line poem with contributions from three separate writers. Now you can share it in the thread.

After we play the first game, I’ll start planning a second one. I’m going to change the rules every time, so suggestions are welcome!

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Sounds like fun!

My theme suggestion is killing time at the train station

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Yaaaaaay :smiley_cat: my theme idea is wisteria.

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my theme is explosive diarrhea

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Being exasperated by online discourse

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My theme is a miserable spring evening

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Crustaceans

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prey animal

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gasoline

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mold

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my theme is soda

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getting a tummy ache from eating too much

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goblins

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vertical

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I will be assigning themes over PMs today. Keep a lookout for yours!

When you write your haiku, keep it secret! I’ll tell you who to send it to later.

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How long do we have to write our initial Haiku, until the 8th?

Yes, although if people want to move on sooner, we can talk about pushing the date up.

I think I’ll start sending names today for the next part. When you receive the haiku, write a couplet (strict rules would say 7 syllables per line).

Alright, I’m sending the last round of names! Send these people your stitched-together 5-line poem. When you receive theirs, write a haiku to complete the 8-line work. When you’re satisfied, post it in this thread!

I realize I made a mistake when drawing names. Oh well! We’ll live with it lol

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