Kouta

[Tinker]

Explore the Craft of Writing Poetry
Japanese Verse

The Kouta 小唄 (little or short song) is a popular Japanese verse form of the Muromachi Period, 14th thru 16th century.  The lyrical song was resurrected as a Geisha song in the late 1800s and is still popular today. The form has several variations, though always short in only 4 lines a 5th line is sometimes is added.  The theme reflects ordinary life and often uses colloquialisms and onomatopoeia.  The most popular are love songs.  The elements of Kouta are:

1. a poem in 4 lines. (an occasional 5th line may appear)
2. a stand alone poem but often is accompanied by other Koutas with the same theme.
3. syllabic, variable odd numbered syllable lengths, the most common patterns are written in lines of alternating 7-5-7-5 syllables or 7-7-7-5 syllables. 
4. secular, personal, themes of ordinary life
5. often includes onomatopoeia.
    

   Is it possible  He knows how much I love him?             Perhaps my pillow, Only my woven pillow, Knows the secret of my heart.

   I slammed my shakuhachi, Though it was not to blame, against my pillow, Poor pillow!

    ~~from the Kokinshū (late 16th century) found in a series of "pillow poems"
                             translated by Harold Keene

    

   I will not hear the phone ring.                    No more of his lies nor his smooth apologies, the ringing will stop.                   ~~jvg

   I wait for the phone to ring, his expected call is late. What tale will he tell this time? The ringing begins.                      ~~jvg

   
   
   
   Three small sisters dressed alike
   in pink polka dots on white.
   Ribbons tie blonde pony tails,
   "Smile girls, be polite."
                                   --jvg

Source: ▼

Seeds in the Heart by Donald Keene pages 1145 - 1148
Shapes of Our Singing by Robin Skelton

[Tinker]

Click, clicking from the keyboard
small song shows on screen,
sound and touch of the Kouta,
sharing daily life.
                   ~~jvg
 

[Tinker]

Buried under work schedule,
slammed with commitments.
Calming remedy is found
at Poet's Café.

This weeks simple assignment,
familiar verse form,
syllabic with sonic boom,
slides from my fingers.
                       ~~jvg