If you’re in danger of losing your edge, your mind, or your sense of humour this winter, why not try finding it again in the Winter Write-Off? Winners will receive gift certificates to local businesses—plus the adulation that follows when friends and neighbours see your piece printed in The Valley Voice!

Part One of the competition begins January 14th^th, and ends on January 27^th at midnight. There are two categories which you may enter: classical haikuand  haiku-like tomfoolery.

Classical haiku is a distinctly Japanese form of poetry , usually evoking a season with vivid word pictures in three non-rhyming lines. While Western teaching has often constrained English haiku to a 5-7-5 syllabic count, Japanese haiku are more nuanced. Spring going—/birds crying and tears/in the eyes of fish. (Basho) There is often a “turn” in the piece, a surprise, which invites the reader to see more deeply. Winter seclusion—/Listening, that evening/To the rain in the mountain. (Kobayahsi Issa)

The second category will be haiku-like tomfoolery. Using a 5-7-5 syllabic count in three lines (or something close), contestants are invited to write about any subject that catches their fancy. We’re hoping that you’ll surprise us with your inventiveness! Dark wet forest floor/Rotted roots release, tree falls—/Call BC Hydro.

 To enter the Winter Write-Off, submit your entry electronically below, or directly via snail mail to Box 452, New Denver BC V0G 1S0. All entries will be rendered anonymous prior to judging. You may submit multiple entries to either category; you may submit entries in both categories if you so choose.

ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27^TH. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE FEBRUARY 11^TH VALLEY VOICE.