Jumping Kaleidoscopic Lemon Moons: a Yaiku Shortlisted* for Chris Guillebeau’s Unconventional Writing Contest

In June 2009, Chris Guillebeau – world traveller and blogger extraordinaire – issued a challenge to his readers to create a guest post for his blog, The Art of Nonconformity. I leapt at the chance and google doc’ed to the esteemed jury my submission below.

Although I didn’t win – yaiku’s are perennially the underdogs of literary contests – I reasonably interpret the shortlisted “Amy” as moi-meme. (Unfortunately a brief Twitter DM exchange with Chris himself was unable to shed further light, but he did bless my posting of my efforts.)

I hope you enjoy, feel inspired, and are maybe just a little impressed.

* * *

Name:      Amy Mennot
Title:        Jumping Kaleidoscopic Lemon Moons
Site:        candygaucho.com
Bio:         1970′s-born Torontonian travel writer who attracts adventure and loves to tell about it. A female Bill Bryson wannabe.
Twitter:    http://twitter.com/candygaucho

*Disclaimer*

In the spirit of nonconformity and authority defiance, my entry is neither an essay nor >500 words.

Instead, I have used the ancient form of Japanese verse known as yaiku. A yaiku is a poem constructed by using words in alphabetical sequence which can only be used once per yaiku. For example, English language yaikus are 26-words long, starting with an “A” word and ending with a word beginning with “Z”.

Practitioners argue that to create a pure yaiku one cannot go back to change a word once it has been written down. As in life, one must commit to and work with the decisions one has made. They believe that true creativity is unleashed only when faced with adversity. True masters will labor days – if not months – to find the right words, such as those which begin with “x”. I, however, exercise my right to poetic license and take a short cut.

Thanks for your consideration, Supreme Court (& Chris).

Warm regards,
Amy

Jumping kaleidoscopic lemon moons

Stumped

Amy belabors creating defining eucharist for Guillebeau.
Hashes indeterminate jotting, kneading limply-manifested nothings.
Oh, pity; quite rightly stupefied.
The unconventional?
Very watery ‘xcess, yearnings zapped.

Epiphany

Almost buoyed…. Can define ether?
Feeling good. Have inspiration!
Just kill lameness.
Move now on poetry!
Quit routine.
Seize the unusual.
Victory where ‘xcentricity yields zeniths.

Action

Arise, Babylon!
Celebrate differences,
Each following gleeful hearts.
If jobs keep love, money nearly overflows pockets.
Quantifiable richness, staying true unto vindication.
Whither ‘xplode your zealousness?

Reach

Assimilation?
Bollocks.
Consciously defy everyone’s forecasts.
Grab hold independence: jump kaleidoscopic lemon moons!
Negate others’ pretentious quarrels.
Realize self through uplifting vicissitudes while ‘xposing your zeitgeist.