上かみ句く

noun

first part of a poem; first part of a verse

Refers to the opening section of a poem, especially in traditional forms like waka or renga. Often contrasted with 下の句 (しものく, the latter part).

See also: 上の句

• 百ひゃく人にん一いっ首しゅの上かみ句くを聞きいて、下しも句くを思おもい出だす。

  Hearing the first part of a Hyakunin Isshu poem, I recall the latter part.