Poetry Thursday - Sijo

I found the best explanation for writing Sijo here. According to writer Elizabeth St. Jacques, A sijo is a 3-line poem,14 to 15 syllables each, for a total of 44 to 46 syllables. In the first line, a problem or theme is stated. In the second, the idea is developed or the thought is "turned." The third line provides a resolution. According to St. Jacques, the first half of the final line should introduce a "twist by means of a surprise in meaning, sound, tone or other device." She emphasizes that the sijo should end with originality, using either wit, emotion or profound observation. This is a traditional Korean form of poetry, which has recently begun to be explored and adapted by western poets.

Here is my first attempt at writing Sijo:

The little one has a voice like vivid fireworks bursting.
Over-loud and under-modulated, it wakes the dreamers.
To quiet him I tell a story, whispered yet colorful.

Inspiration for this sijo was provided by four-year-old Tanka disturbing, with his very loud voice, the late-morning sleep of three teen-aged girls who stayed up late watching scary movies. Sometimes I think that the name of my blog should imply a house in the quiet countryside, not a quiet house in the country!

photo by Aisling, August 6, 2005, fireworks over the lake