Flowing Tide
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This poem is a retelling of two narratives: the first is about the mythical Japanese Empress Jingu, who borrowed tide-controlling jewels from the dragon god Ryujin to wage war against Korea; the second is about the Siege of Suncheon (1598) during the Imjin Wars (1592-1598). In both narratives, the Japanese forces gained victory over the enemy fleet when the ocean tides unexpectedly receded, causing the ships to get stuck in the shallows - a fascinating phenomenon where mythology echoes into history.
The form I used is based on the Bussokuseki-katai, which is a type of Japanese poetry often inscribed on Buddha's footprint stones (bussokuseki) found at various temples throughout Japan. It has a 5-7-5-7-7-7 syllable count, and typically conveys Buddhist teachings.
The untamed waters
Bridled by the dragon's pearls
In the Empress's hand
Tides recede at her command
Her foe's ships were trapped in sand
Swallowed by the seas
Then the waves flicker
Once thirteen hundred years pass
Buried tales emerge
Ships surrounded Sunc'hon's Fort
To crush an invading force
A war raged at Choson's shores
Ancient echoes din
Oceans drew back, and recalled
Old tales etched in seas
Once again, a fleet was trapped
Where wind and waves take the ground
Who can deny victory?
Copyright © Vanya Evangeline | Year Posted 2025
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