blog reflections - Fiction and life . . . from the desk of Gwen M. Plano

Tomorrow - a Kouta poem

11/8/2022

Hello blog friends. As I write, it's election day in the U.S.A. Most folks are on edge, wondering how the votes will swing, and if there will be a huge backlash. I've never seen our country this divided or this contentious. For most of us, it's a heartbreaking era.

Hoping for the best, whatever that might mean, I have a poem to share. This week author Colleen Chesebro asks writers to compose a Kouta poem. Never heard of it? I certainly hadn't, but here's a bit of history.

Kouta is an ancient Japanese form, used by the geishas during the 14th through the 16th century. It remains popular in Japan today and typically follows a 5-7-5-7 or a 7-7-7-5 syllabic structure. The focus is usually on everyday circumstances.

My poem is a bit escapist. I'm hiding from the news and anyone wanting to talk about current events. I've chosen to be a bit dreamy in this poem, following the second syllabic structure mentioned above.

I hope you enjoy it. Simple. Sweet. My answer to chaos...

Have a lovely week! ❤️

34 Comments

Annette Rochelle Aben link

11/9/2022 05:01:47

I love the poem and your explanation of the format in so understandable! Thank you.

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 06:07:29

Thank you, Annette. 😊

Liz Gauffreau link

11/9/2022 05:57:46

I appreciate your much-needed simple and sweet answer to the chaos.

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 06:08:42

Thanks, Liz. I look for peace wherever I can find it. Poetry often helps. 😊

John howell link

11/9/2022 06:23:47

I love this poem form, Gwen. You explained it quite nicely. Your escapist words sound perfect and very necessary in today's environment. Well done.

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 09:01:22

I'm so glad you liked it, John. Thank you! 😊

Staci Troilo link

11/9/2022 06:36:49

I hadn't ever heard of this form, but I like it. And you crafted a beautiful one. Thanks, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 09:02:33

Thank you, Staci. The form was a surprise for me, but I like it. 😊

Pete Springer link

11/9/2022 07:04:13

As someone who managed a classroom where getting along with one another was imperative, I'm tired of the tribalism of the past several years. I've grown tired of those who make a living out of promoting this good vs. evil attitude.

I look at attempts like yours to escape from all the noise as making a healthy mental health choice. Thank you for your poem and level-headedness.

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 09:06:04

Thanks so much, Pete. We need to listen to one another - to share hopes and not hates. Tribalism is a good word for what is happening. Thank you for that insight. All the best to you!

Harmony Kent link

11/9/2022 07:20:49

Beautiful bit of escapism in this wonderful poem, Gwen. And I love the image you put together too! I agree that this is needed for good mental health with all that’s happening. Love and hugs, my friend 💕🙂

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 09:08:05

Thank you so much, Harmony. If only, if only...people could take a deep, soulful breath before confronting one another. Life is much too short and too precious for this craziness. 🤗

Priscilla Bettis link

11/9/2022 09:11:03

Heh-heh, I think a lot of people on both sides of the aisle are hiding from the news right now!

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 09:59:15

I suspect so, Priscilla. 😄 Thank you for the chuckles.

Joan Hall link

11/9/2022 09:56:58

Love your poem, Gwen. We all need some escapism these days. My heart breaks for our country.

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 10:00:13

Thank you, Joan. Like you, my heart breaks for our country. ❤️

Jan Sikes

11/9/2022 11:02:37

Escapism is the word of the day! I have escaped from the news for many years now and am not sorry. What a lovely poem, Gwen. It is sensual and hopeful. Thank you for sharing!

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 12:34:21

Thanks so much, Jan. I'm pleased you liked it. Like you, I try to avoid the news. 😊

Colleen link

11/9/2022 13:44:56

This is stunning, Gwen. I love how you're hiding away. ❤️

Gwen M. Plano

11/9/2022 16:09:46

Thank you so much, Colleen. I'm good at hiding. 😄

Marjorie Mallon link

11/10/2022 04:20:56

Nice poem Gwen. Interesting form, I had a go too. Lots of different responses which is great to see. :)

Gwen M. Plano

11/10/2022 04:35:43

Thank you, Marjorie. It is an interesting form, as is its history. 😊

D.L. Finn

11/11/2022 09:33:05

I love your poem and understand the escape. The current tread saddens me too. Hugs xo

Gwen M. Plano

11/14/2022 14:22:03

Thanks so much, Denise. 🤗

Pat

11/13/2022 15:57:56

Beautifully done!!

Pat

Gwen M. Plano

11/14/2022 14:22:30

Thank you, Pat. Much appreciated. 😊

ben Alexander link

11/14/2022 04:03:37

very poignant, Gwen! and the graphic matches the poem so well!

~David

Gwen M. Plano

11/14/2022 14:23:00

Thank you, David. I'm pleased you liked it. 😊

willowdot21 link

11/14/2022 07:14:10

Perfectly done.

Gwen M. Plano

11/14/2022 14:23:20

Thank you, Willow. 😊

Jules link

11/14/2022 15:22:39

I think that would be a good sketch right before nodding off into dreamland... ;)

Lucky when you don't have to dream because your dream came true!

Gwen M. Plano

11/14/2022 16:23:32

Beautifully said. Thank you, Jules. 🤗

Reena link

11/15/2022 08:50:34

Yes. If I can't change the future, I might as well make it bearable.

mark bierman link

11/18/2022 06:00:43

A beautiful poem!

Tomorrow - a Kouta poem

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