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 with joy
And again I am lifted
Comfortable to sing out
Stirred by inner strength.
Alan j Wright
It is Poetry Friday and our host this time is Cathy Mere at Merely Day By Day. Cathy presents a thought provoking poem about the status of women across generations and the need to continue to raise voices.
Alan, your words sing of truth --and comfort this week. Raging conflict, drawing light, inner strength...that appears to be the path many of us find ourselves on this week. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patricia. Truth is an unerring objective. Despite living in a part of the world far removed from the US, the political events occurring there, affect and concern me too. There are growing conerns for the world in general. I think this has influenced my writing mood this week. Shining light into dark places is tied up with the true meaning of life. Be strong.
DeleteFinding the comfort you share brings everyone strength, Alan! Thanks for sharing that & the new form, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda. I guess I am writing to understand what is happening right now. I too am seeking some sense of solace in this ragged, edgy world. Glad you liked the new form. It proved to be a most suitable form for my current thoughts.
DeleteI love the daring to be bold, Alan. That's the key, I think, is continuing to live a joyful life, despite what other people do/choose.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. Extracting some joy from the day is vitally important to our wellbeing, as you state.
DeleteYes! "Be bold with joy." I love that! Thank you for these words.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcie. So glad you appreciated my Kouta poems.
DeleteThank you for your words of hope and joy.
ReplyDeleteWe need to do our work with others in mind, particularly in uncertain times, Mary Lee. Be well.
DeleteAlan, thank you for introducing us to the kouta poem. And thanks for the introspection and hope that you have brought into them. I'm taking that hope and light!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the feedback, Denise. May the hope and light to which I referred, serve you well.
DeleteThank you for the new form to try, Alan. It's hard to pick a favorite among your poems, but I was especially touched by "Deliver Light" and its message of hope and kindness.
ReplyDeleteSorry I came up anonymous. It's Rose.
DeleteThank you, Rose. Hope and kindness are always worthy of our continued attention. Glad you enjoyed this new poetry form.
DeleteAs someone who could use a little direction right now, I appreciated your poems. I’ve spent most of 2024 fascinated with all things “4.” I played this game with poetry a bit and found only quatrains. Stopping by today to learn about kouta poems seems meant to be. I look forward to trying a few in the final weeks of the year as I search for the light. Thank you for joining this week’s roundup. It’s been a delight to travel blog to blog. Cathy M.
ReplyDeleteMaybe some sweet synchronicity for you Cathy. I'm pleased you have found some poetic peace in these kouta quatrains. Good luck with your future koutas!
DeleteThese kouta are like little mantras, self-affirmations to chant under your breath perhaps while rage-scrubbing the bathtub! That is to say, more powerful than they seem on the surface.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these thoughts, Heidi. Small packages with surprising impact perhaps? Handy when rage scrubbing as you say.
Delete"Your exploration of Japanese poetry forms is inspiring. I love the simplicity yet depth of the Kouta – it really captures the essence of daily life beautifully
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I’ve never heard of Kouta before! It’s amazing how a few lines can hold so much introspection. Thank you for sharing your creativity
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Alan, your poems always seem to resonate with my emotions. 'Deliver Light' is especially comforting and uplifting. Such a powerful piece!"
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The 7775 syllable pattern sounds like it would be so fun to experiment with! Thank you for introducing us to such a unique poetry form
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Your poem 'Conflicted Thoughts' is incredibly relatable. You’ve managed to capture the inner turmoil we all feel at times.
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The way Kouta poems focus on ordinary life makes them feel so accessible. I love that you’re reviving this old form and making it feel modern.
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Your Kouta poems bring such a sense of calm and perspective. ‘Find Joy’ especially feels like a call to appreciate life’s little moments."
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It’s always a pleasure to see what poetry forms you explore next. Kouta is definitely one I want to try after reading your post!"
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"I never realized how powerful a short quatrain could be. Each of your Kouta poems packs so much emotion into such a small space
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The concept of 'little song' perfectly describes the feeling I get reading these poems. They’re gentle yet impactful.
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Thank you for explaining the structure and history of Kouta. It adds so much depth to appreciate the culture behind each verse.
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Your ‘Deliver Light’ poem speaks to me. It’s such a peaceful call to seek out positivity in tough times."
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