[Quincy Lehr]

I'll throw this out as a challenge, even though I'm not man enough to attempt it--

Robert Dunn, the editor of the recently defunct Medicinal Purposes, came up with a form called the kustina--a sestina composed entirely of haikus. He recommends starting with the envoi and working from there, for what it's worth. Any takers?

Quincy

[This message has been edited by Quincy Lehr (edited July 05, 2006).]

[Mary Meriam]

fer sure, Quincy, but do you have a sample?

[Mary Cresswell]

Sounds terrifying, but let's see it ...

[Quincy Lehr]

Here's one by Robert Dunn, published in the last issue of Medicinal Purposes.

RED WRITHING HOOD

by Robert Dunn

Cutie-Pie in red
travels forest with basket;
smoothes creases in hood.
Aroma lures Wolf.
Perfume? Perspiration? No...
Homes in on goodies.

"What's with the goodies?"
Old Lupine-Lips accosts Red.
"Perhaps you'll share, no?"
"Desist! This basket,"
cries its bearer, "holds no wolf-
treats! Unpaw my hood!"

"It is not your hood
I'm after. Just your goodies.
I have my pride," Wolf
says, "so don't see red...
and fork over that basket
forthwith!" Red cries, "No!

A thousand times, no!
Bonded couriers in hoods
only haul baskets
with pre-paid goodies
to approved grandmothers." Red
primly shoves past Wolf.

Our intrepid Wolf,
though, refuses to accept "No"
for his answer. "Red,"
he snarles, "in this 'hood,
I decide who gets goodies.
I ask again--basket!"

So, she slams basket
over head of surprised wolf.
Cascading goodies
slick up ground. Oh, no!
Falling Wolf grabs, nabs, rips hood.
Boy, was her face red!

No goodies survived.
Red Writhing Hood lost her job.
Wolf turned basket case.

[Henry Quince]

Boy, that’s clever!

[R. Nemo Hill]

Check out Mary Meriam's fine example on Non-Met!