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Blu-ku, a constraint-based process invented by Cyrano Moon.

I write it from experience, from things that I have experienced and things that I did in life and the way I think of things in life and what has happened in my lifetime. ‘Cause you can take anything and write a blues about it. You can take a chair, a box, an axe, anything, a knife, anything and start writing a blues from it. ‘Cause you can think of the different things you would do with a knife. Take a knife - ...you could maybe skin a fish, cut a chicken's throat, skim your toenails or your fingernails, then you could kill somebody with it too. By the time you think of all the things you could do with a knife, then you got the blues. It don’t take but five verses to make a blues. Think of five things you can do with something and that’s it. Think of five things that woman done to you and then you got the blues. Was it she stayed out all night or she stole away your money or was it she didn’t fix your food right or something ......all that. – Big Bill Broonzy.

You can write the blues about anything. In the morning, you can write the blues because your woman done left you. At night, you can write the blues because she came home. – Willie Dixon

There is nothing you can see that is not a flower; there is nothing you can think that is not the moon. - Matsuo Basho

Blu-ku Procedure:

Three players and one hat.  Substitutions for the hat are permissible but not recommended. At least one player should be prone to singing.

1. Each player writes a noun on a sheet of paper.  This noun should refer to an object from nature (dew), an abstract (lust) or an invisible object (wind or, perhaps, a season).  Players may write more than one noun, but each should get its own piece of paper.  The papers are folded over, placed in hat, stirred.  One is then picked.  This is the “MacGuffin.”

2. Each player writes a one or two syllable noun on a sheet of paper.  This time, the noun should indicate something common and concrete: a kitchen utensil, a household object, an articicle of clothing, a body part or any such thing.  Players may write more than one, each on a separate bit of paper that is then folded and placed in the hat.  Stir the hat and choose one.  This is the “Framistan.”

3. The player who picked the MacGuffin writes a 3-syllable line that describes it.  The MacGuffin is not part of the line.  The player hides the line in a pocket.

4. The player who picked the Framistan writes a 3 syllable line that includes the Framistan and something that it does.  The player rolls the sheet of paper and tucks it behind his or her ear.

5. The third player writes a 5 syllable blues line (“my baby left me,” “the blues done got me,” whatever).  The paper is folded and tucked into a waist band.

6. All players have a drink. Then, at the count of three, they take out their papers, unfold them, and put them in the following order:  MacGuffin line – Blues line – Framistan line.

You have both accomplished Blu-ku and made one.

Although a single stanza is often sufficient, the Blu-ku can be extended. Simply repeat the process, retaining the original MacGuffin, a key word from the blues line (usually the subject) and the same Framistan (adding a new verb or verb phrase).

Think of each Blu-ku stanza as a line.  Recite, write or sing the original Blu-ku twice, followed by the additional Blu-ku once.  In this case, two Blu-kus (remember, the 1st is repeated) create a verse of a Grand Blu-ku in an A-A-B pattern. A Grand Blu-ku of 5 verses is a "Perfect Broonzy."

For additional verses, the MacGuffin and Blues line can either be retained or changed, but the Framistan remains the same throughout, doing the various things your particular Framistan might do.  If at all possible, Framistan lines should rhyme with each other.

What to do with your Blu-ku:

1. You may write it, recite or, as is especially recommended, sing it. Any melody will do, so long as it contains at least 1 flatted 3rd, 5th or 7th. The Grand Blu-ku lends itself very well to 12 bar blues.
2. Record your Blu-ku and submit it to River House for inclusion on this page. Print is okay, too. To submit your Blu-ku, please write to Blu-ku submissions. Please do not send it as an e-mail attachment until you have received instructions.

   Note: A true Blu-ku must include the word "Blu-ku" in the title.

Tip:  Avoid poetic phrasing, particularly metaphor.  Use simple, direct language and the old "show, don't tell" concept.

Tip: Sure, write about hardship, pain and deep, deep trouble if you like. Have fun.