Gia

Waka / My current work in progress, next in the Demons of Dunmore series, has a distinctly oriental flavor. The heroine has studied the arts of war in the east for many years. As I have researched eastern culture, I have come across some utterly beautiful poetry. Traditional Japanese poetry is called waka. It literally means Japanese poem. Waka has no concept of rhyme, in fact certain arrangements of rhyme (even accidental) are considered dire faults in traditional Japanese poetry. There is little concept of line…instead waka has the unit, or phrase, which is often turned into line when the poem is translated into western languages. In ancient times it was common for writers to exchange waka instead of prose…especially between lovers. A famous example of this is found in the book Hannibal Rising, by Thomas Harris. The exchange takes place between a young Hannibal Lector and the Japanese aunt he has fallen in love with: ~Women pick up surveillance faster than men do, as part of their survival skills, and they at once recognize desire. They also recognize its absence. She felt the change in him. Something was missing behind his eyes. The words of her ancestor Murasaki Shikibu came to her and she said them: â��The troubled waters Are frozen fast. Under Clear Heaven Moonlight and shadow Ebb and flow.â�� Hannibal made Prince Genjiâ��s classic reply: â��The memories of long love Gather like drifting snow. Poignant as the mandarin ducks Who float side by side in sleep.â�� â��No,â�� Lady Murasaki said. â��No. Now there is only ice. Itâ��s gone. Is it not gone?â�� â��You are my favorite person in the world,â�� he said quite truthfully. She inclined her head to him and left the room.~ A very emotional scene that gets to the heart of Lectorâ��s character. Let me share a few more waka that I find particularly lovely. Translated by Kenneth Rexroth, 1955: I have always known That at last I would Take this road, but yesterday I did not know that it would be today. NARIHIRA (9th century) Out in the marsh reeds A bird cries out in sorrow, As though it had recalled Something better forgotten. KI NO TSURAYUKI (10th century) This life of ours would not cause you sorrow if you thought of it as like the mountain cherry blossoms which bloom and fade in a day. MURASAKI SHIKIBU (974-1031) In the dusk the path You used to come to me Is overgrown and indistinguishable, Except for the spider webs That hang across it Like threads of sorrow. IZUMI SHIKIBU (11th century) Not speaking of the way, Not thinking of what comes after, Not questioning name or fame, Here, loving love, You and I look at each other. YOSANO AKIKO (modern) I hope you have enjoyed. Gia

Gia in other blogs:

ADV To “PiQ” Interest
Quickie: What Is VIZ Up To?
Utada Hikaru Rips Off Shokotan; Is Less Cute
Ravenwear Gia