Tap Dancing on the Roof
Have you heard of sijo? I hadn’t until I stumbled upon Tap Dancing on the Roof. It’s a traditional Korean poetry form and, like Japanese haiku, has three lines. In a sijo, though, the last line has some sort of twist or surprise.
I love the first one in this book:
For this meal, people like what they like, the same every morning.
Toast and coffee. Bagel and juice. Cornflakes and milk in a white bowl.
Or – warm, soft and delicious – a few extra minutes in bed.
Even after reading it ten times, it still makes me smile – and wish for five more minutes snuggled up with my pillow.
P.S. At the end of the book, there are tips for writing your own sijos. What a great activity for a quiet afternoon!