Yesterday, I remembered something from a book set in Japan 1858. I shall not tell which book; that would be too embarrassing! So with the aid of ever trusty Google I looked up waka, and this is what I found. Waka is a form of Japanese poetry dating back to the 7th century A.D.!
Waka does not rhyme. Indeed, if one of these poems rhymes even by accident it will be considered faulty. A good waka must have something of the seasons, a sense of quiet, and an underlying feeling of mystery .
There are two common forms of waka: choka and Tanka. Choka was a solemn form while tanka expressed more emotion. Choka consists of 5-7 Japanese sound units, phrases repeated at least twice and concluding with a 5-7-7 ending. Sadly, however, it fizzled out of many poets’ minds. Tanka though lived on even to the modern-day and consists also of five units (often treated as separate lines) with a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern. The 5-7-5 is the upper phrase and the 7-7 is the lower phrase .
Waka was often exchanged instead of letters, particularly among lovers. There was also a game where one poet started a waka, sent it to another poet, who then finished it and sent it back. Very interesting don’t you think? I think I will try my hand at waka sometime!
Oh, do, do! It only takes one try at a very strict form of poetry to come to love it. I tried a Shakespearean sonnet once, and, though I haven’t written one since, it’s my favorite.
I have heard of one prolific poet whose name I cannot remember who said that he felt safest within the confines of a sonnet. I agree, especially as a young, immature poet who doesn’t know the tools of the trade: having walls of both form and development is very comforting, and yet challenging, like being carried in the arms of North Wind.
This waka form sounds interesting. I wonder whether it would be a valid variation or a mixed-up mongrel if it were done with Midwestern scenes in mind.
ah, that is very encouraging and now i feel like going to do that RIGHT now but , it is late so.. i can’t. I will post a waka when i get done with it though!