Drabble: 100 words, Seiryuu
I come again. :) Just one this time, and very short.
Title: Japanese Culture 101
Word Count: 100.
Characters: Tenma. Well, and...
Rating: E for Everyone.
Notes: The poem, had it been made up of 31 (grouped 5-7-5-7-7) Japanese syllables instead of English ones, would reflect the form of Japanese poetry called the tanka, which was used during the Heian period. The ability to compose poetry on the spot was a sign of education and quick wit, and was often used when communicating between lovers. Inspired by boredom and my Japanese culture class, where we are beginning to read the Tale of Genji, the main character of which is a Minamoto...
He'd studied this era in school, but history was history. Despite being Japan's Golden Age, Tenma had never been particularly interested in the rise of either literature or the warrior class in the Heian period.
But that changed when he found a light, almost transparent paper -- folded neatly in half -- near his practice sword one day. He opened it to find a verse composed in the old classic style, written in a strong, but elegant brushstroke:
"The sakura tree, it stands alone -- sure and strong, guarding its garden --
yet always offers shelter, even to the lone, proud wolf."
Title: Japanese Culture 101
Word Count: 100.
Characters: Tenma. Well, and...
Rating: E for Everyone.
Notes: The poem, had it been made up of 31 (grouped 5-7-5-7-7) Japanese syllables instead of English ones, would reflect the form of Japanese poetry called the tanka, which was used during the Heian period. The ability to compose poetry on the spot was a sign of education and quick wit, and was often used when communicating between lovers. Inspired by boredom and my Japanese culture class, where we are beginning to read the Tale of Genji, the main character of which is a Minamoto...
He'd studied this era in school, but history was history. Despite being Japan's Golden Age, Tenma had never been particularly interested in the rise of either literature or the warrior class in the Heian period.
But that changed when he found a light, almost transparent paper -- folded neatly in half -- near his practice sword one day. He opened it to find a verse composed in the old classic style, written in a strong, but elegant brushstroke:
"The sakura tree, it stands alone -- sure and strong, guarding its garden --
yet always offers shelter, even to the lone, proud wolf."