I have been pondering the notion of silence since reading Mary Oliver's short poem,'The Old Poets of China.' Wherever I am, the world comes after me. that I do not want it. Now I understand why the old poets of China went so far and high into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist. It offers me its busyness. It does not believe Mary Oliver I am not uncomfortable with silence. it is something I savour. Silence can be an elusive thing to find in our noisy, busy lives, but there is value in seeking it out. Silence can be restorative. It can deliver a sense of peace, clarity and understanding. Sit and listen in a quiet place, both inside yourself as well as immediately around you. It may conjure thoughts and ideas for your poetry. It's sometimes amazing what emerges from the silence surrounding you. Awake In A Silent House At midnight Our house is a nest of dark rooms Still,wrapped in silence Inside my head though Thoughts dance wildly in circles They de
I have consistently explored Japanese poetry forms across the years. Boketto, Dodoitsu, Gogyyohka, Haibun. Haiku, Kimo and Tanka most among them. Today, allow me to present Kouta poems -a four line quatrain. It is renowned as a traditonal song of geisha. The word 'kouta' means little song. They come in two versions: Version 1 -7575 syllables Version 2 7775 syllables. The kouta has no other rules and generally follow themes of ordinary life. They are an ancient form that harkens back to the 14th century. I have chosen version 2 (7775 syllables) for my kouta poems. My poems deal with introspection and observation of the human condition. I'm in that sort of mood so I went with it... Conflicted Thoughts My heart rages with conflict I possess no direction Your words light the way forward And my world settles. Alan j Wright Deliver Light Overthrow this inner doubt With memory of good deeds Utter words consolingly And draw light your way. Alan j Wright Find Joy I dare to be bold w