Silent One Poet Sedoka

Notes About The Poem

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 the turn in line 5 is gentle.

Inflictions of addiction

Two Sedoka's on addiction.
I think we all know someone who suffers from addiction, be it alcohol, drugs, pills or gambling..  Sadly too many judge from the action and do not see the reason behind many fall into it.


fighting addiction
chains of control solder hold 
held captive to corrupt brain
unhealed trauma screams
judgement offers no respite
soul hopes to escape prison

warfare addiction
mind battles intense craving
brain hellbent to find next fix
without compassion
do not judge - support through love
save a soul that's still alive

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Rukhsana Afridi January 15, 2024 at 1:37 AM This poem is excellent. And the poetic form Sedoka is very rhythmic. Yes, I agree with what was mentioned about addiction. People are quick to judge those that addicted to harmful substances, but they don’t understand why they get addicted in the first place. Like that quote, “never judge a book by its cover”. Really, well written :)

Andrea Dietrich January 14, 2024 at 12:46 PM Love this form and how you used it, S.O.

Sara Kendrick January 14, 2024 at 6:00 AM I have read your work and enjoyed reading it. Keep on writing, using your creative muse. The reasons are varied, but the cure is simple seek help, you can do it. Sara K

Hiya Sharma January 14, 2024 at 3:00 AM Sigh, a truly heart-touching and soul-hitting poem which expresses the suffering of those under the chains of addictions..They shouldn't be isolated with labels and judgements rather what they actually need is love and care..Beyond everything..Love can heal trauma..Kindness and empathy can truly bring a major change..Addiction can be in different forms but its ultimate effect is an immortal perish for the person..A very vulnerable and deep write dear poet, you've expressed everything brilliantly

Bill Baker January 13, 2024 at 5:28 PM Thanks for the intro to this form, Silent One, I never seen one before. Excellent advice to dealing with those that have an addition. We shouldn't judge how anyone else deals with their addition or additions. Even if a person has overcome an addition themselves, we still don't know what they are going through completely. Different minds and bodies experience different things while addicted and afterwards. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us through your fine poetry, my friend. Bill

Jude Herrick January 13, 2024 at 3:50 PM Amen

Vijay Pandit January 13, 2024 at 2:21 PM Potent theme, SO. --mind battles intense craving brain hellbent to find next fix--- do not judge - support through love--perfectly described. I agree with your advice--no easy answers!

Duke Beaufort January 13, 2024 at 12:24 PM I think you are right that love is the answer. It's unfortunate for those who have a proclivity for addition. It may just be an unlucky roll of the DNA dice. We don't have enough treatment programs for this and we definitely don't have enough qualified therapists to help the addicted. I was in the hospital within the past few years for a heart problem and the people next to me were there for alcohol addiction that led to cardiac issues. The stories were quite sad.

Abdullah Alhemaidy January 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM Negative addiction is a slow killer. Great write and pithy Sedoka, have a nice day ~ AA.

Ink Empress January 13, 2024 at 8:48 AM So true and well written about addiction, i feel sorry for addicts, some think it is a lifestyle or choice or habit, without realizing it can be an illness, i know so many fighting to heal and recover from this and still struggle, and like you’ve said the underlying reason for such illness many are oblivious to it, the suppressed trauma etc that leads to it, often unspoken about, i loved this! Brilliant sedoka! Here in maldives this is a common issue! And many dont get the help but are punished Ink Empress January 13, 2024 at 8:49 AM Definitely a fave this is for me! And its good to see you post various short forms!

Sotto Poet January 13, 2024 at 8:26 AM fighting addiction and the hope for support and compassion in overcoming it are the internal battles and external judgments faced by someone dealing with addiction. Your poem is powerful and evocative, using phrases like "chains of control," "corrupt brain," "unhealed trauma," and "intense craving" to convey the struggles of addiction. The use of literary devices such as alliteration ("solder hold," "corrupt brain") and personification ("brain hellbent") add depth to the poem.

Joseph May January 13, 2024 at 8:02 AM "do not judge - support through love " Addiction can happen to anyone, and it can be a hard road to recovery...

Constance La France January 13, 2024 at 6:32 AM Silent, excellent writing and theme. Many fall into addiction because they see no hope, and once hooked it keeps them prisoner. I feel for these people they need help not judgement, blessings, Constance