Is there a message?
Sojourning dragonfly
Landing near, waiting for cue
Golden dragonfly
Your wings emerge at life’s end
Limiting your time in flight
What is my message?
Don’t wait, live ‘in’ the moment
Open my eyes, look within
Live with poise and worth
Recognize my inner truth
Connect with my Creator
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I have had the pleasure of encountering more dragonflies over the past couple of months than I have since living here. In the shamanic belief every thing is alive and carries with it power and wisdom. Native Americans believe that everyone has power animals – animal spirits which reside with each individual aiding and protecting them, acting similarly to a guardian angel. It is believed the spirit also lends you the wisdom of its kind.
Considering this an interesting concept, I wondered and inquired what my message might be.
Note: Dragonflies spend most of their lives in the larva stage as a nymph (up to three years, depending on the species). It flies only for a fraction of its life. The adult, winged stage only lasts a few weeks. Mating is the primary reason for their winged stage. When you see a winged dragonfly, you know it’s toward the end of its lifespan. (credit)
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This is my first attempt using the form, Sedoka.
Older than haiku by at least a century, the sedoka is actually two shorter poems smoothed together. To begin, we will look at the first half of a sedoka: a katauta. A katauta poem is a forgotten style in Japanese culture, often swept aside when haiku or tanka seem to be more fitting. A katauta is a three line poem that has a syllabic pattern of 5/7/7. It should be noted that it is very rare to see a katauta stand alone. Often times they are set into strings of two or more katauta.
Sedoka are often composed as folk ballads. They can be mood poems, similar to tanka, or they can tell stories in the manner of a song. It consists out of six lines, with a syllable count. I realize the Japanese unit for a syllable is different than English.
My story sedoka is a definitely a rough version, but I found it an interesting style. I first learned of this from one of Trisha’s blogs, Window to My Soul. To enjoy a Sedoka, read Trisha’s Golden Flower.
How to build a Sedoka?
1st line: 5 syllables
2nd line: 7 syllables
3rd line: 7 syllables
4th line: 5 syllables
5th line: 7 syllables
6th line: 7 syllables
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© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011
"On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea" 
love this, smiles.
🙂
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Very interesting facts and form! Thanks for stopping by my blog 🙂
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Hello.
I only know how to write poetry in my own unique style & am totally clueless when it comes to all the different poetry forms. I must say I enjoyed your Sedoka & the accompanying image. I especially liked the title.
Some interesting information here.
Thanks for sharing & for your visit. I appreciate it.
The beautiful Winds Of India
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Beautiful poetry form.. I must try it sometime.
Also your message of the dragonflies are very meaningful. Live in the moment.. yes ~
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Excellent post all around, BB. Thank you for calling attention to the fact that animals, insects, in fact all aspects of Mother Nature brings us messages. We need only still our mind and ask, then pay attention to what thoughts arrive afterwards. I find that if I get three “messangers” come in a relatively short time, the message is important and I need to pay attention to it. Birds and snakes are my most frequent messangers, but it is different for each person. Great write, as always! hugs, pat
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i LOVE your Sedoka, especially the second stanza and that’s a beautiful image. thank you for the information about dragonflies and these Native American beliefs. and finally, MUCH thanks for such and exciting new-to-me form. i can’t wait to try it! ♥
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dani – I know you will do well when you try your hand at Sedoka. Your varying genres seem to flow effortlessly … your muse keeps you “in the moment”!! I appreciate your extended visit this evening and your kind, generous comments. xoxo
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“live with poise and worth”
lovely line
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Thank you! 🙂
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Becca, dragonflies have also been abundant “way up here”. I enjoy their presence – especially when one will land on something close by so I can watch its ablutions. I didn’t know they only flew to procreate. I’ll have to do a little study to be reminded of their purpose in Nature’s scheme of things.
I love the message of the poem – did it come to you? 😀
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Thank you, so much … they have been near when I have finished an unwanted assignment 🙂 … many messages, including appreciation!!
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a fabulous poem and a fabulous sedoka. i too used to get a lot of attention from dragonflies when i was living in a house with garden. these days no gardens thus no dragonflies 🙂
if you find the answer do share that with me too.
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Trisha – thank you for introducing me to the form.
Re: my message – it was
Don’t wait, live ‘in’ the moment
Open my eyes, look within
Live with poise and worth
Recognize my inner truth
Connect with my Creator
Appreciate your visit and comments!
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