Nature’s beauty, or: Constructions of man

A Sijo

I can't recall being inspired 
by any particular place; 
sure, I've been struck by nature's beauty, 
by constructions of man; 
ultimately, though, I remain 
in the space of my mind 

---

Sijo?

A Korean verse form related to haiku and tanka and comprised of three lines of 14-16 syllables each, for a total of 44-46 syllables. Each line contains a pause near the middle, similar to a caesura, though the break need not be metrical. The first half of the line contains six to nine syllables; the second half should contain no fewer than five. Originally intended as songs, sijo can treat romantic, metaphysical, or spiritual themes. Whatever the subject, the first line introduces an idea or story, the second supplies a “turn,” and the third provides closure. Modern sijo are sometimes printed in six lines.

---

d’Verse poetics prompt: Poetry of place and space

At d’Verse, we are encouraged to write the poetry of the places ∧/∨ spaces which inspire us the most. These do not have to be scenes of nature: we can choose cityscapes or even cinemas or shopping malls if we prefer. Personally, I tend to turn to the spaces of my mind.

---

Let’s write poetry together!

When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.

–Ben Harper (b. 1969)

Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!