Changing Demographics

Philomene Kocher & Marco Fraticelli

Septenga is a form of linked verse: each one includes 7 haiku with alternating 3-line and 2-line poems. The septenga form was created by Alexis K. Rotella and ai li in 1997, and their guidelines may be found here.

“Writing linked verse is like keeping the pilot light on: just a small flame, just this one link. The process keeps haiku in my awareness – whether I’m writing a new one, or mining my previous poems for a link.” — Philomene Kocher

“Collaborative writing offers a great antidote to what is often otherwise a very solitary experience.” — Marco Fraticelli

catkin press | 2021 | 5.5 x 8.5 inches | 16 pages | 978-1-928163-40-4

A digital copy is available in The Haiku Foundation Digital Library and may be found here.

Appeared in ‘The Book of the Week’ feature by Vidya Premkumaron on The Haiku Foundation website (May 18, 2026). Her reflections may be found here. “Changing Demographics is a collaborative work that feels like two minds learning how to move together without losing their distinct rhythms.”