Notes About The Poem

Placid Pond

placid pond
in the moon's reflection—
kabuki dance

1-13-22

HAIKU CONTEST inspired by BASHO only Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Damned I-Be 

Thirteen Syllables or Less Contest 3-29-16
Sponsor Timothy Hicks

*Kabuki, traditional Japanese popular drama with singing and dancing performed in a highly stylized manner. ... In modern Japanese, the word is written with three characters: ka, signifying “song”; bu, “dance”; and ki, “skill.”

Kabuki plays are about historical events and moral conflict in relationships of the heart. The actors speak in a monotone voice and are accompanied by traditional instruments. The Kabuki stage is equipped with several gadgets, such as revolving stages and trapdoors through which the actors can appear and disappear.
Why are Kabuki actors all male including those playing female roles?
Image result…All-male casts became the norm after 1629, when women were banned from appearing in kabuki due to the prevalent prostitution. 

The most commonly used colors are dark red, which represents anger, passion, or cruelty, and dark blue, which represents sadness or depression. Other common colors are pink, representing youth or cheerfulness; light blue or green, representing calm; purple for nobility; brown for selfishness; and black for fear.

Kabuki actors need white powder to prevent color bleeding caused by excessive oil and sweat, with an easy-to-apply, lump-free consistency. Oshiroi must also look impeccable and defined under special stage lights, and provide a stunning contrast to the colorful kumadori makeup.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
April 16, 2016 at 7:26 PM
haha, just saw what you replied to my comment. yeah, I know the feeling sometimes.
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 17, 2016 at 3:29 AM
I truly mean it Andrea...if you are placed in the top ten it really doesn't matter where. Lol ; )
Anish Avatar
April 10, 2016 at 9:47 PM
Lovely feel from this short piece. Also liked the picture you chose to go with it. Have you ever been to Japan? My late father went there during the Korean War period. Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 10, 2016 at 10:26 PM
Yes, I have been there many times because I used to fly to Tokyo and Osaka almost weekly for some time. Osaka is my favorite city because of the river that runs through the city and Osaka Castle which is not far away. I have even visited Tokyo Disneyland one time which was difficult to get to by trains as not much English is spoken but was fun once we arrived. My son is married to a young woman from Japan who is the only one in her family to speak English. The Japanese are polite and generous and kind. I have not seen Kabuki dance however, except on a T.V. program. Thanks Matthew, Connie : )
Kendrick Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 3:37 PM
Reads like a winner to me..Way to go for the contest..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara
Scars Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 12:24 PM
Connie, congrats on your placement in the contest :)-luloo
Lamoureux Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 9:36 AM
Lovely!
La France Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 12:54 AM
Connie, a big congratulations on your win with this beauty ~
Allison Avatar
April 2, 2016 at 3:30 PM
such fabulous imagery congrats on your win Connie:-) hugs Jan xx 7
Haight Avatar
April 1, 2016 at 8:05 AM
Lovely imagery, Connie. Congratulations on your nice placement! Hugs, Sandra
A. Sharma Avatar
April 1, 2016 at 2:19 AM
Congrats on ur superb win with this lovely write Connie..
Dietrich Avatar
April 1, 2016 at 12:56 AM
Connie, I gotta go see the winner list to remember how you placed. But BIG congrats for your win.
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 2, 2016 at 6:23 AM
Thank you Andrea. I was very pleased to be in the bottom of the top ten. Cheers, Connie ; )
Austin Avatar
March 31, 2016 at 12:26 PM
You know how I love Haiku, and this one is a pip. Love, daver
Callus Avatar
March 31, 2016 at 10:26 AM
Back with congratulations, Connie:) ~ All the best // paul
Hicks Avatar
March 31, 2016 at 3:19 AM
Congrats Connie! A haiku with Japanese flavor. I dig. I thought there was a cool contrast between the motion of the dance and the stillness of the pond ... had zen undertones too it.
Marcum Wong Avatar
March 31, 2016 at 4:10 AM
That was part of my intention Timothy. Thank you very much. I appreciate being in the top ten as I know you had some real beauties to choose from! Cheers, Connie ; )
A   Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 6:43 PM
Connie, you will do awesome in the contest. Love Linda
Marcum Wong Avatar
March 31, 2016 at 3:03 AM
Wow, what a sweet comment Linda! Thanks so much. ; )
Dietrich Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 3:51 PM
So pretty, Connie. I wish everyone could win this one. I am seeing many beautiful haiku.
Marcum Wong Avatar
March 31, 2016 at 3:13 AM
Thank you Andrea. I have a long email I will send you about my knee. I am going to see if you entered this contest. Cheers, Connie
Callus Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 3:31 PM
I get the feeling of a very calm and romantic image here, Connie. I also have a feeling that this could well be a winning haiku:) ~ Regards // paul
Scars Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 1:44 PM
Connie, a wonderful haiku lady good luck :)-luloo
La France Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 7:43 AM
Connie, this is beautiful for the contest !
Sathasivam Avatar
March 29, 2016 at 11:42 PM
Excellent haiku. Enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing it.
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