A Brief Definition of Sijo

Sijo is the classic form of poetry in Korea. Recently, some American poets have begun working with sijo. As with any adaptation of a form of poetry into a new language, there will be misunderstandings, false starts, and conflicts. However, with some charity and patience from poets, sijo promises to become a valuable standard form in English.

Sijo have three long lines. Each line varies between 14 and 16 syllables, with the middle line the longest.

The first line states a theme, the second line counters it, and the third line resolves the poem.

Because of typographical restraints, each line of sijo in English is often printed as two lines.