Interpreting the Heavens

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Author's Note: This week's research on Sedoka comes from https://langcorrect.com/journal/sedoka-and-somonka-poetry/ --Here it states Sedoka and Somonka [different formats] are ancient poetry forms from Japan that were written like secret letters between two lovers. When two were in love, but their love was forbidden because they were of families with different status, poets used to describe feelings through metaphors or symbolisms with nature to avoid other people discovering their love.  The first [stanza] is a question or a declaration of love that has to be sent to somebody you love, and he or she has to write an answer with another [stanza] following the same theme that you wrote in the first... often answering within a question. This is my attempt :)

Should the stars you love 
so settle to the West to 
shine, would you still remain here?

Why would I leave for
the light of distant stars when   
I already hold the sun?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023



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Date: 2/24/2025 9:13:00 PM
Beautiful!
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Date: 1/14/2023 4:56:00 PM
Wonderful Sedoka, Flo. As long as we keep the Day Star in our sights we’ll be ok.
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FJ Thomas
Date: 1/14/2023 8:14:00 PM
Hey you :) I hope you are feeling better. Thank you Jenna
Date: 1/14/2023 12:45:00 PM
Dear F J, your exquisite poem is filled with passionate romance. Breathtaking poetry, my friend. Perfect title too. Your author’s note is wonderful, thank you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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FJ Thomas
Date: 1/14/2023 4:06:00 PM
I am most grateful for your kind words Susan. I was worried it would not be understood. Thank you so much
Date: 1/14/2023 11:19:00 AM
wow, did Rumi write this or you ?
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FJ Thomas
Date: 1/14/2023 4:04:00 PM
Lol you flatter me too much Vie! Thank you madam :D
Date: 1/13/2023 8:34:00 PM
Beautifully done, FJ! I love a good sedoka. Elizabeth
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FJ Thomas
Date: 1/14/2023 8:56:00 AM
Thank you very much Elizabeth :)
Date: 1/13/2023 2:36:00 PM
If I'm reading this correctly, it seems like the second stanza is the answer to the first, a lovely methapor for love and devotion~
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FJ Thomas
Date: 1/13/2023 2:45:00 PM
You got it :) Another site mentioned that in this form both stanzas end in a question, both relating to each other. I'm trying really hard to decipher fact from speculation regarding this form lol.
Date: 1/13/2023 1:09:00 PM
A good write with good questions. Just a thought, maybe your next write could have the answers. Have a blessed day.................
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FJ Thomas
Date: 1/13/2023 2:42:00 PM
Hi Paula, thanks so much for visiting. Actually this one does contain the answer. As mentioned in the author's note, the conversation had to be cryptic, so the second stanza is her answer to his question in the first :) Thanks again!
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