Thursday, August 30, 2007

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





4 comments:

Robbin said...

Oh Aisling, now I've got to study this more and try my hand at it. I love the one you wrote. Thanks again for doing this on Thursday, I love it!

Marcie said...

Robbin, Did you check out the link I provided? There is a lot more information there. I'd love to read any you write!

I like learning more about all of these poetry types myself. I like to understand the parameters, and then try to be creative and original within that framework. Thanks for the positive feedback!

Robbin said...

I did check out the site, it was interesting. And I've had a poem in my head all week about something that happened so the timing was perfect to use this type of poetry for telling about it. SO, hop over to my blog and you'll find it.

Marcie said...

Robbin, I'm headed in that direction and can't wait to read it. :)