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Octo-Tanka...
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Octo-Tanka... |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA 
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OK folks - For October we'll do some Tanka for Bridget. Here's a rundown... Of all the poetic forms ever written by the Japanese, Tanka adheres most rigidly to form in terms of structure. It requires 31 onji (our equivalent of the syllable), and is divided into 5 lines of 5-7-5-7-7 onji each. Tanka, in its classical format, could also incorporate a variety of subjects. Originally, Tanka were divided rhythmically at the end of the 12th onji with a new rhythm beginning at the 13th. Later, these poems were rhythmically divided at the end of the 17th. Modern Tanka utilizes either rhythmic version. Thematic approaches are optional, but a rhythmic division is still an important factor. Tanka's advantage is that it allows the poet to delve further into themes that would be too longspun for Haiku to handle. Very rarely can Tanka, Haiku, or Senryu written in 17 or 31 respective English syllables be written properly to acquire the effect that the Japanese can do with their onji. To compensate, Western Tanka writers frequently choose to adapt a more concise version of 3-5-3-5-5 syllables, maintaining consistency in rhythmic format. Sounds complicated, doesn't it? Nah - We can handle it. While we're at it, let's feel free to toss in some haiku/senyru as well... Haiku is a form of poetry that seems very simple to master, but that is not necessarily so. Writers have a tendency to follow the prescribed format of the haiku, while neglecting the intrinsic philosophy behind it. So, what is Haiku?? It's a short poem of Japanese origin, based on a nature theme, with three lines consisting of: Five Syllables Seven Syllables Five Syllables In Japanese poetry haiku is actually a younger cousin to the more classic five-line tanka - 5-7-5-7-7. The most significant stipulation in writing these poems is that they must be nature-based, containing a "kigo", or nature word such as: sun, moon, rain, water, flower, etc. The poem should make a simple statement, but allude to a more universal philosophy. Then, of course, we have the senryu, another poetic form with the same three-line format of 5-7-5, but it is not based upon a nature theme. The senyru incorporates all aspects of thought that aren't nature-based. Many contemporary poems labeled as haiku are more likely senyru. None of these formats is easy to portray properly. Message is everything. Succinct syntax is equally as important. Say what you're trying to convey in seventeen syllables - but also express an earth-shattering message.... Think theme - Think THEME - Have I said that before? While we're at it... Let's do some Choka... The Japanese originally wrote their sequences in group gatherings and came up with sequences that were approximately 100 stanza's long. These wondrous works were typically non-serious in nature and did evolve about some sort of plot. One poet would begin the diatribe with the first 5/7/5/7/7 stanza, followed by the next, and the next, etc... The stickler was that each stanza had to relate semantically to the one before it (and by definition, the one subsequent). The Japanese had a tendency to create these poetic masterpieces all in one sitting - We can't do that, because we aren't all sitting in one place - but we certainly can write a sequential piece. We won't impose any rules other than that we have to relate to the stanza before us, and let's see what we come up with. Let's do a separate thread for it, with no need to 'comment' upon its content, just adding new stanzas to it at will... Would you like to start, Bridget??...  |
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| © Copyright 2002 Nancy Ness - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Bridget Shenachie Senior Member
since 2002-01-23
Posts 1056Kansas USA |
Hi Miss Nan! Thanks for the instructions. I'll get started. Shenachie |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I do hope everyone signs up for a choka...I have read upon those and it seems more than interesting to combine thoughts and verses... Tanka very much. I will do all assignments  |
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Tammy Blessing Member
since 2002-08-26
Posts 366PA |
Thanks for the info. Nan. This looks to be an interesting month in which I stand to learn a great deal. I too, will work on all assignments. Tanka for the challenge. Tammy |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Opps  [This message has been edited by Mysteria (10-27-2002 10:23 PM).] |
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