Taking Me Serious

I sometimes think I’m better than this
This writing and blogging and thinking it is all bliss

then I remember before I’m done
That this is not working and it is my sort of fun

But will I get paid for all I do?
Not for this kind of fun though it is certainly due

I act like a grownup and write more
And love packages I order that come to my door.

©2023 CBialczak

The landay is a variable length form based off a couplet, which means the poem could be as concise as two lines or run on for several pages. The form most likely originated with nomads in the area of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India (read an article on Afghan landays here).

Here are the basic rules of the landay:

• Poem comprised of self-contained couplets–as few as one couplet will do
• 9 syllables in the first line; 13 syllables in the second line
• Landays tend to reveal harsh truths using wit
• Themes include love, grief, homeland, war, and separation

Note: There is not a specific rhyme pattern for this form, though lines tend to end on the sounds of “na” and “ma” in the original Pashto. However, this is difficult to replicate in English. Keep in mind that landays are often sung.