Tag Archives: micropoetry

The Landay – Day 2

In my youth, god was a mean, old man...
Now I’m old, she’s wise, maternal, like me, a woman.

~kat

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. 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.


The Landay – Day 1

Self portrait with a little help from AI on PicsArt. ~kat
Eye contact’s not an invitation, 
when I smile, it’s me being kind, not flirtation.

~kat

Learn more about the Landay and read some amazing examples translated into English HERE!

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. (While there is no mention of rhyme in the description above, most of the examples I have seen do include 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.


Than-Bauk 13 – 14

13-
funny thing, bliss
it exists but
we miss, trying

14-
takes a pure heart
to impart the
true art of love

~kat

And that’s a wrap! A week exploring the Than-Bauk. It’s a fun little form with just enough of a challenge to make it interesting. On Monday I’ll be taking on the Landay, another micropoetry form consisting of 22 syllables and only two lines. More to come on that. Before I sign off, one more look at the bones of the Than-Bauk in case you want to give it a go!

Than-bauk Poems – This Burmese poetic form is pithy and often clever, comprising just three four-syllable lines. The last syllable of the first line rhymes with the third syllable of the second line, as well as the second syllable of the third line.


Than-Bauk 11-12

11-
i could go on
but it’s wrong to
be long winded

12-
mind your business
I’ll address mine
confess nothing

~kat

Than-bauk Poems – This Burmese poetic form is pithy and often clever, comprising just three four-syllable lines. The last syllable of the first line rhymes with the third syllable of the second line, as well as the second syllable of the third line.


Than-Bauk 9-10

9-
over the years
joy and tears…a
life clearly lived

10-
tell me something
anything, but
charming untruths

~kat

Than-bauk-This Burmese poetic form is pithy and often clever, comprising just three four-syllable lines. The last syllable of the first line rhymes with the third syllable of the second line, as well as the second syllable of the third line.