Y - Alphabet Haiku with a Twist: Yang Jian

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Alphabet haiku using the letter Y.  Alphabet haiku is an invented form created by Beatrice Evans.
Invented forms are new poetic structures that do not necessarily follow traditional or established "rules." 
Alphabet haiku follows the traditional haiku syllable count of 5/7/5.  The only change required is each word begins with the same letter. 

My twist? Only the first word of each line begins with the same letter. After all, it’s an invented form, and they do not necessarily follow established “rules”! 

Yang Jian is a figure in Chinese mythology. 
I found this mid-century half-tone print of Yang Jian in an Italian frame in the Goodwill Outlet bins.  It's not unusual for his third eye to be missing, as exports (the print isn't Italian, only the frame) "softened" the supernatural elements for the Western markets. Also, his celestial dog is often left out of these small prints, the focus is on the central figure.   



yang jian, warrior

your divine powers subdue

yield cosmic order


yang jain, deity

you vanquish demons, monsters

yet bestow justice


yang jain, mortal man

you stood proudly in the world

your name now legend

©2026 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved  



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