
How sweet the scent of grass, freshly sheared,
even in her distress, she weeps grace-filled fragrant tears.
~kat
I have so enjoyed the Landay this week. It’s an evocative, bold form that truly gives the writer permission to say what needs to be said. Perhaps even a way to say out loud what others wish they had the nerve to say! It’s been a good week. I am glad to now have the Landay in my notebook. I’m sure I will revisit it again. But for now, it’s time to explore another form. Tomorrow we will explore the Tricube! Stay tuned!
Landay – The Landay is the poetic form of Afghan women. The poem is 22 syllables long and contains 2 lines. 9 syllables in the first and 11 in the second. Rhyme is not specifically called for but a great many do rhyme at the end of each line. Subjects can include, but are not limited to, war, separation, homeland, grief, or love.
Pronunciation/Etymology. In Pashto, “landay (LAND-ee)” means “short, poisonous snake,” likely an allusion to its minimal length and use of sarcasm. Landays (or landai) often criticize traditions and gender roles.