上かみの句く

expression, noun

first part of a poem or verse

Refers to the opening lines of a traditional Japanese poem, especially the first three lines of a tanka (5-7-5) or the first two lines of a renga. Often contrasted with 下の句 (しものく).

• 百ひゃく人にん一いっ首しゅの上かみの句くを聞きいて、下しもの句くを答こたえるゲームをしました。

  We played a game where we listened to the first part of a Hyakunin Isshu poem and answered with the second part.