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Shichigon-zekku (七言絶句) is the Japanese term for a poetry verse form (often of Chinese origin) consisting of four phrases each seven Chinese characters (kanji - 漢字) in length.

Shichigon-zekku are the most common form of classical Chinese poems (kanshi - 漢詩), and the standard form of shigin (Japanese chanted poetry).

Contents 1 Composition 2 Example 3 See also 4 External links

[edit] Composition

In composing Shichigon-zekku, the character of the phrases (zekku) is important. The rule is as follows:

• First phrase (kiku - 起句): Depiction of the scene
• Second phrase (shoku - 承句): Add further illustration and detail to the kiku
• Third phrase (tenku - 転句): By changing the scene of action, reveal the true essence of the poem
• Fourth phrase (kekku - 結句): In assimilating the tenku draw together and complete the poem

The Japanese terms mean literally: bringing into being; understanding; changing and drawing together.

[edit] Example

The examples below illustrate poems in Shichigon-zekku form:

江南春绝句 千里莺啼绿映江， 水村山郭酒旗风。 南朝四百八十寺， 多少楼台烟雨中。

Spring of the South Thousands miles of birds' singing, light green along the Yangtze river; Ponds and hills circling the village with flags in the soothing wind; Amid the four hundreds and eighty temples of the South dynasty; How many terraces are in the misty cold rains?

Author: Du Mu (杜牧), (803～852).

富士山 仙客来遊雲外巓 神龍棲老洞中渕 雪如丸素煙如柄 白扇倒懸東海天

Mount Fuji This great peak above the clouds, where hermit-wizards came for sport The deep pools of whose caverns holy dragons have inhabited from old The snow is like white silk, the rising smoke like a handle A great white fan inverted, in the heavens above the eastern sea

Author: Ishikawa Jozan (石川丈山), (1583～1672).

[edit] See also

• Chinese poetry
• Shigin
• Japanese poetry

[edit] External links

• Background to Mount Fuji poem (Japanese)
• Explanation of Shichigon-zekku form and history (Japanese)

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