ku muse

Personalised edit → in A moldering graveyard = in MY moldering graveyard ( for the sake of conjecture )

also see →

Bamboo Hut - Issue 1 (above tanka included in anthology)

jp 27-08-12

more items

leaves fall

the scent of butterfly

remains

These inner links of renga were an important part of Basho's haikai renaissance. So, anything we learn about that can be applied to our growing sensitivity to the internal mechanics of a hokku in its standalone anarchy. But is it so? For, do we not, as participants in this beautiful theatre of the mind (ma as Noh) that is hokku, supply a response? Just like ghosts at a phantom gathering.

leaves fall

the scent of butterfly

remains

in my moldering graveyard

angel wings cast in stone

Thus is tanka the response of our heart to worlds of natural experience.

leaves fall

the scent of butterfly

remains

in my moldering graveyard

angel wings cast in stone

read more →

John Potts

June 19, 2013

Note

As an example of personal response to the proceeding 3 lines, the "my" in L4 was required. Also, that 'reads' much better in terms of connotative expansion and also serves a double meaning (local graveyard/personal grave), which adds much to the original renga experiment. Chopping that renga down to the first call/response, to provide an example of classical waka (personal allusion to a nature observation) and discuss that edit in terms of a more authentic approach to the construction of modern tanka (which is decadent and largely gone to pot in the modern haikai world) was the general idea. On Twitter I glance at the 'experts' and their offerings and cringe. However, there is good stuff about in quintet form but it's not anywhere near the original aesthetic (which I admire and respect) on the whole. The piece, in its final form, lacks a certain subtle integration, though. And, to that extent (parts bolted together), it is also not anywhere near the sublime. But, the piece does serve well enough, perhaps, as an example of concept and for that very reason.

..also see essay by Smitha Chakravarthula

Misc

Call it what you will. To me it represents the uta ('fragment') form of classical waka ('Nipponese poem'). It could be called: 'classical tanka' ('short poem' = 5-7-5-7-7). However, calling it that muddies the waters in terms of my argument (which is that the first verse of the Kojiki waka compilation lays down the template for this form by 'divine decree' - that is to say, magico-mythically). The tanka pundits know very little (if anything) regarding the cultural substrate of all this. And that is why they fall into the modern materialist trap - whilst thinking they are out of it! As for ownership, you're contribution is credited on the link above and all outgoing links which return to that credited link. Besides, feel free to use the entire 5-liner as you see fit. But, do bear in mind that I made it standalone and gave it life - for what that's worth in the scheme of things.

more

As an example of personal response to the proceeding 3 lines, the "my" in L4 was required. Also, that 'reads' much better in terms of connotative expansion and also serves a double meaning (local graveyard/personal grave), which adds much to the original renga experiment. Chopping that renga down to the first call/response, to provide an example of classical waka (personal allusion to a nature observation) and discuss that edit in terms of a more authentic approach to the construction of modern tanka (which is decadent and largely gone to pot in the modern haikai world) was the general idea. On Twitter I glance at the 'experts' and their offerings and cringe. However, there is good stuff about in quintet form but it's not anywhere near the original aesthetic (which I admire and respect) on the whole. The piece, in its final form, lacks a certain subtle integration, though. And, to that extent (parts bolted together), it is also not anywhere near the sublime. But, the piece does serve well enough, perhaps, as an example of concept and for that very reason.

This musing is a living document and as such will develop - so, be sure to return regularly to this page, if you like. Not just to note any changes, but also to review the material in the light of your own understanding.

♪

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