We apologize for the long delay in the appearance of the Iron Poet contest. Both Michael Shogun and the Anjin-san have been away on meditative retreats at the Ise shrine, contemplating the existential meaning of dew upon cherry blossoms.

For a time, these two ronin exhaustively examined the traces of dewdrops writ upon the fragrant chrysanthemums. However, such a fragile peace could not last. First words, then katana swings were exchanged. Just as wind whistles through fragrant bamboo, so has their once-harmonious bond ultimately passed. They now they return to Poetry Stadium to recommence metrical combat.

The rules:

Two men, 34 syllables, one topic. Topics are assigned courtesy of www.m-w.com. This Friday, poetical genius will be delivered to you.

Your metrical gladiators:

Michael Shogun — born Ryōri no Tetsujin — a man scarred by his warrior past. Abandoning his implements of combat, he traded mastery of the battlefield for knowledge of a new, more powerful, more deadly art. Three mystic numbers: 5 . . . 7 . . . 5.

Anjin-san: an English sailor, pilot of the Erasmus, a Dutch trader-warship, formerly known simply as "ajd." Marooned in Nippon, he quickly abandoned his old ways and became a master of the ancient art of . . . haiku.

Your task:

Select the Iron Poet! Vote by commenting on the appropriate website

This week's word:

Occam's razor