noun
opening line of a poem
Specifically refers to the first line of a Chinese-style poem (kanshi) or, by extension, the opening line of any poem. A somewhat technical literary term.
漢詩の起句は、全体の雰囲気を決める重要な部分だ。
The opening line of a Chinese poem is an important part that sets the overall atmosphere.
この俳句の起句は、読者の注意を引く工夫がされている。
The opening line of this haiku is crafted to grab the reader's attention.
The final line of a Chinese poem, which concludes the poem.
From 起 (ki, 'to rise, begin') + 句 (ku, 'phrase, line of poetry'). The term is used in the context of classical Chinese poetry (kanshi) structure.