Not only does "gyre" describe the object, but fits with the action of spinning. Very similar, of course to the suffix "gyro-" which when in motion produces centripetal force which can stabilize, hence fitting nicely with the last line: "*her life in balance*"

Whir not only fits as a half rhyme, but a gyroscope sounds very much like a whir (as a roulette basically is).

The words are not only perfect in definition, but in senses. Gyre and whir also holds a simplistic elegance to them.

How is the use of gyre and whir 'wordplay' exactly, rather than just a nice half-rhyme?

Thank you. I've just started experimenting with haikus.

**I stir**: Not just a gambling game, but a beautiful geisha who swirls with elegant patterns. Around, around. Delicate step to bow. This is her life as it is the performance's being as well. Perhaps even a japanese maple in winter moving to spring.

**I witness**: Wonderful wordplay "gyre" and "whir".

**I yearn**: Many things are circular such passing of seasons, a dance, musical scores, even life itself. Is knowing that such cycles have and will always exist supposed to give comfort to us?

**I claim**: From its imagery to word choice, I love this haiku. There is so much it makes me think of outside of the intended imagery. The serenity and elegance is overwhelming!

I am aware they don't have to be 5-7-5 but i'm not really interested enough in the japanese style atm to take the time to count stressed syllables. So I suppose it's more of a 5-7-5 poem than a proper haiku.

Hey, this is a great use of imagery, and I think the subject matter lends it to the form of Haiku, but I feel there is a certain part of the Haiku you should look at. Its syllables are 5-7-5 when they really don't have to be. Consider this link as something that would be interesting to read for the sake of that argument [here](http://www.nahaiwrimo.com/home/why-no-5-7-5). If you knew all this already, forgive me I'm just trying to encourage more organic attempts at haiku in the sub.

Otherwise, this piece is interesting to me for a number of reasons. The play with color shows a huge interest in stark imagery that some people overlook in poetry (even though its so so important) 

Other guy mentioned the use of whir and gyre, which are important to note for me, because of this thing that is not even a slant rhyme, but just this vague suggestion of rhyme and music. 

The final line is def the best part for me though, as it elevates the narrative's stakes to life-and-death while simultaneo

The red and black whir

holds the white dancer's gyre -

her life in balance.

https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/comments/5auckc/graves/d9jgcoq/

https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/comments/5aob45/tale_of_beringlight/d9jgvi4/

Roulette