6 readers get poetic in 'sijo' contest

Let Them Come

A still-life box of tissues,
patient with torturous silence

“Let the tears come. They will feel good.”
A gentle blessing, my words.

“Can’t you do a lobotomy?”
he asks. I say, “costs extra.”

-LauraZD

McCann's critique: "The sijo seems perfect for this brief, laconic exchange between the patient and the doctor. In the 3 5 4 3 syllables of that last line, the form gives the phrases extra weight, especially 'he asks. I say…'”

Let Them Come A still-life box of tissues, patient with torturous silence “Let the tears come. They will feel good.” A gentle blessing, my words. “Can’t you do a lobotomy?” he asks. I say, “costs extra.” - LauraZD McCann's critique : 'The sijo seems perfect for this brief, laconic exchange between the patient and the doctor. In the 3 5 4 3 syllables of that last line, the form gives the phrases extra weight, especially 'he asks. I say…'”
Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff