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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

A Tale of Love (and Woe) – Lovers' Song #7

Princess #7




Knight #7




A note on form:  The above form has little (or sporadic) history.  Part of a long line of ancient Japanese forms from which come the sedōka, choka, and tanka is the katauta.  Depending on the source this poem (also known as a half-poem or half-song), is either 17 (5 / 7 / 5) or 19 (5 / 7 / 7) syllables long.  The feeling I get is that this form is meant to be one half of a conversation...perhaps two lovers conversing back and forth.  There is also note of this form consisting of a question-and-answer feel; the first poem posing the question, while the second poem answers it. 


About this series:  This series is a branch-off of a ten act ballad called A Tale of Love and Woe.  All odd numbered installations are initiated by the "princess" with a response from the "knight."  In each of these, the princess follows the 17 syllable pattern to which the knight replies in kind. All even numbered installations are initiated by the "knight" with a response from the "princess."  In each of these, the knight follows the 19 syllable pattern to which the princess replies in kind. 


5 comments:

Brian Miller said...

i like the first
cause i am rather fond of dancing
and when your heart is aloof
it is hard not to.
smiles.

Buddah Moskowitz said...

I like these two images - are they complementary? I say so. Very wonderful pairing.

Jennifer Wagner said...

I really like that first one especially...makes me smile.

brudberg said...

To dance... and I like the contrast to a song unsung

Victoria said...

I really like the idea of the new day as the beginning of a song unsung. Let's do it! It's still early here. :0)