As you walk away
I yearn for just one last glimpse
to cling to 'til morning's light
Knight #14
I fear one last look
will give 'way our hidden truth
stealing hopes of tomorrow
Princess #14
An aside: Typically, these pieces are published as images. Unfortunately, I am away from where I keep the paper I use and, well, time is running out on today. This is day 4 of the month of poeming, only 26 more to go.
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.
2 comments:
Excellent--I like to see these again.
Keeping a glimpse until morning....I like that!
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