Sedoka is often written in pairs, with two consecutive sedoka poems forming a larger poem known as a katauta. The two sedoka poems are typically connected thematically and often tell a story or express a single idea or emotion.
Sedoka isn’t the most popular poetic form in Japanese history (that honor belongs to the haiku), but there are some truly wonderful examples out there. Some were written by classic Japanese poets, and others by contemporary writers hoping to experiment with the form.
Sedoka Definition
Sedoka are short, three-line poems that share many features with haiku. But they are arranged in a different syllable pattern. In this case, 5-7-7 rather than 5-7-5.
Sedoka poetry is believed to have originated in ancient Japan and was commonly used as a form of communication between lovers. It was also used to express religious and philosophical ideas.
Examples of Sedoka Poems
War Path by Christian Ugalde
‘War Path’ is a contemporary sedoka. It follows the traditional form of two three-line stanzas. The first stanza sets the scene by describing a “fractured wanderer” leaving a “tortured city,” who is “hammocked insecurely.” The imagery suggests that the wanderer is exhausted and traumatized by the war.
The second stanza introduces a shift in perspective, describing the wanderer as being “quenched of thirst for blood.” Here are the first lines from the first katauta in this poem:
Fractured wanderer
leaving a tortured city,
This poem uses the Sedoka form to explore the impact of war on the human psyche and the possibility of finding peace and beauty amidst the turmoil of conflict.
October 31st by Marion Gibson
‘October 31st’ is another contemporary example of a sedoka. The poem celebrates the holiday of Halloween and the traditions associated with it. The first lines read:
Ghosties and goblins
Witches, black cats and broomsticks,
All Hallows Eve comes tonight.
This is a good example of how contemporary writers have taken sedoka (and other forms of Japanese poetry) and experimented with their features. Rather than speaking to traditional subjects, these contemporary examples challenge readers to consider everything from war to Halloween.
How to Write a Japanese Sedoka Poem
While trying out any new poetic form can seem overwhelming at first, writing a sedoka is actually pretty straightforward. Here are the steps to writing a successful sedoka:
To write a sedoka poem, start by choosing a theme or subject. Sedoka poems can be about anything, but they often focus on nature, love, or spirituality.
Once you have your theme, determine the syllable pattern. Sedoka consists of six lines in a syllable pattern of 5-7-7. The first line contains five syllables, the second line contains seven syllables, and the third line contains seven syllables. Repeat this pattern for the second set of three lines.
Next, write the first stanza, which should introduce the theme or subject and create a clear image or feeling. Use descriptive language and vivid imagery to bring your poem to life.
Then, write the second stanza, which should build upon the theme or subject introduced in the first stanza. You can either continue to describe the image or feeling or introduce a new perspective or idea.
Finally, read and revise your sedoka. If you want to, it might help to read your poem out loud and make revisions as necessary.
FAQs
Sedoka is a form of Japanese poetry that originated in the Heian period. It was originally used as a means of communication between lovers, but it later became a popular form of poetry for expressing religious and philosophical ideas.
Sedoka consists of six lines in a syllable pattern of 5-7-7. The first line contains five syllables, the second line contains seven syllables, and the third line contains seven syllables. Sedoka is often written in pairs, with two consecutive sedoka poems forming a larger poem known as a katauta.
Sedoka poetry often explores themes of nature, love, and spirituality. Many sedoka poems focus on the changing seasons and the beauty of the natural world. Others express personal feelings and emotions.
Sedoka differs from haiku and tanka in its structure and length. Haiku is a three-line poem with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5, while tanka is a five-line poem with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7. Sedoka is a six-line poem with a syllable pattern of 5-7-7.
Important Poetic Forms in Japanese History
The sedoka is far from the only important poetic form in Japanese history. Here are a few more:
- Haiku: A three-line poem with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. Haiku typically focus on nature and the changing seasons.
- Tanka: A five-line poem with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7. Tanka often express emotions and personal feelings.
- Renga: A collaborative form of poetry where multiple poets take turns adding to a poem. Renga traditionally consists of alternating three-line and two-line stanzas.
- Choka: A long-form poem that alternates lines of 5 and 7 syllables. Choka can be any length, but traditionally consist of more than 100 lines.
- Senryu: Similar to haiku, senryu is a three-line poem with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. However, senryu often focus on human nature and social situations rather than nature.
- Kyoka: A comedic form of poetry that uses the syllable pattern of a tanka. Kyoka often use puns and wordplay to create humorous effects.