Kireji
Kireji (切れ字, lit. "cutting word") is the term for a special category of words used in certain types of Japanese traditional poetry. It is regarded as a requirement in traditional haiku, as well as in the hokku, or opening verse, of both classical renga and its derivative renku (haikai no renga). There is no exact equivalent of kireji in English, and its function can be difficult to define. It is said to supply structural support to the verse. When placed at the end of a verse, it provides a dignified ending, concluding the verse with a heightened sense of closure. Used in the middle of a verse, it briefly cuts the stream of thought, indicating that the verse consists of two thoughts half independent of each other. In such a position, it indicates a pause, both rhythmically and grammatically, and may lend an emotional flavour to the phrase preceding it.
List of common kireji
Classical renga developed a tradition of 18 kireji, which were adopted by haikai, thence used for both renku and haiku, the most common of which are listed below:
To The Edge Of The Universe
TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE
WHERE NO MAN HAS EVER BEEN BEFORE
IT'S A PLACE OF ANOTHER DOOR
A PLACE THAT I'M HOPING FOR
WILL YOU COME WITH ME
WILL YOU COME WITH ME
WE WILL SHOOT THROUGH THE MILKY WAY
AND GO TO A BETTER PLACE
TO THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE
TO THE REALMS OF OUTER SPACE
WILL YOU FLY WITH ME
WILL YOU FLY WITH ME
ITS A PLACE OF NO REALITY
A PLACE OF SIMPLICITY
A PLACE WHERE WE'LL BOTH BE FREE
A PLACE THERE FOR YOU AND ME
WILL YOU BE WITH ME
WILL YOU BE WITH ME
