Agnes Krampe Poet Choka

Winter Stream

The willows have wept
Lancet leaves, tears in the creek
Dream in their prison of ice.

White sycamore roots,
Twisted and gnarled, form islands
And pools, a necklace of pearls.

The stream disappears –
Magic of karst – to emerge
Down valley, unexpected.



December 31, 2016
For contest: Form C
Sponsored by Broken Wings
5th place

The most intricate Japanese Poetry form is the Choka, or Long Poem. 

The early form consisted of a series of Katuata joined together.
 This gives a choice of form structures of ..... 5 - 7 - 7 - 5 - 7 - 7
.. etc, or .. 5 - 7 - 5 - 5 - 7 - 5.. etc.

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Karen Da July 23, 2019 at 10:34 PM To be honest, I haven't read a choka poem before. This one is creatively beautiful..

Eric Ashford July 23, 2019 at 8:24 AM A fine bit of poeming, full of delicate and apt imagery.

Kim Rodrigues July 22, 2019 at 5:34 PM Deep images! Enjoyed the tangle of nature’s words!

Marilyn Williams July 22, 2019 at 10:26 AM Very deep and full of wonder. Congrats on your winning a contest. I hope to do that someday.

Line Gauthier July 20, 2018 at 9:16 AM Lovely imagery. Beautifully penned, Agnes.

Afzal Nusker January 9, 2017 at 6:48 AM You constructed a wonderful Choka with beautiful descriptions. Congratulations!

Andrea Dietrich January 4, 2017 at 3:35 PM wow, I love this and I think Constance will too. Beautiful!!

Paul Callus January 3, 2017 at 2:51 PM I love this Choka, Agnes. The subject matter and the emotions that come with it are captivating. I have a feeling Constance will fall for it! ~ Regards // paul Agnes Krampe January 3, 2017 at 6:05 PM Thanks for your kind words, Paul.

Connie Marcum Wong January 2, 2017 at 2:18 AM Your poem is so creatively written Agnes! This short form is difficult for me to create. Some may think it is easy, but it is a challenge. You have conveyed a sadness of the tree's spirit poignantly, and I do believe they have a spirit, as does every living thing. Beautiful! 7 ; ) Agnes Krampe January 2, 2017 at 7:12 AM Thank you for your kind comments, Connie.