Notes About The Poem

Sedoka
Sedoka is a Japanese verse form that evolved from ancient songs. They can be mood poems, similar to Tanka, or they can tell stories in the manner of a song. Sedoka consist of 6 lines of 5-7-7-5-7-7 syllables respectively. Each 5-7-7 unit is called a katauta. Traditionally, the second Katauta says the same thing as the first katauta, although in a different way. In modern English the syllable count is somewhat more flexible, and there is usually a turn, or change in direction, in lines 3 and 5. The turn in line 3 is sharp, and in line 5 more gentle.

Ballast

Precious counter-weights

ships utilized for sailing,

ballast stones got dumped offshore.

But in empty hulls

sailors found common boulders 

held incalculable worth.


(Sedoka)


03/14/2020
Pick-A-Title, Vol 15 - Sedoka - Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Edward Ibeh
Title Chosen -  "Ballast"

10th grade11th grade9thsedoka

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