Elizabeth Daryush Day for 2013: Women in Syllabic Poetry

Today is Elizabeth Daryush Day (12-8-1887 to 4-7-1977).  Daryush is one of the significant pioneers in the use of syllabics for English language poetry.  I am particularly taken by her syllabic approach to the sonnet.

Because it's slow at the store, I'm going to take a moment to note in passing something I have observed about syllabic poetry in English: that is the prominence of women poets writing syllabics.  Consider:

Adelaide Crapsey: The first poet to propose a syllabic form for the English language.
Edith Shiffert: A fine syllabic haijin and renga poet.
Marianne Moore: Who is famous for her syllabic approach.
Helen Craig McCullough: Who used a consistent syllabic approach in English in her translations of Japanese poetry.
Etheree Taylor Armstrong: Who proposed the Etheree syllabic form.
Susan August: A contemporary syllabic haijin.

It's not that syllabic English poetry is only women; but notice the prominence of women.  There are, of course, significant male syllabic poets; the most important is, I think, Richard Wright.  And Wright is known for having a deep empathy for women, which comes through in his Haiku as well as his other writings.

Again, there are important male syllabic poets, such as James Hackett.  Still, the pivotal role that women have played in English syllabic verse is worth noting.  I'm not sure what it means or if there is some significance to be extracted from this.

Jim

Helen Craig McCullough Day for 2013

Just a quick note as I arrived at work early:  Today is Helen Craig McCullough Day.  She is the eminent translator of the Waka Kokinshu, an ancient collection of over 1000 Tanka/Waka.  Waka Kokinshu is the most influential collection of Tanka in Japan.  McCullough, however, didn't just provide us with a wonderful translation; which would be an accomplishment in itself.  McCullough has also demonstrated the efficacy of using the 5-7-5-7-7 syllabics in English because McCullough followed the traditional syllabic shape in her translations into English.  The result is an astonishingly vivid collection of English poetry which, I believe, will form the basis for the emergence of Tanka in the English speaking world.

Best wishes,

Jim

A Brief Absence

Dear Friends:

My computer caught a nasty virus and is now at the Doctor's being treated and upgraded and getting spiffed up.  I have been told this may take a few days.  During this time I will not be posting, unless I find time to post from work, which is unlikely.

Thanks,

Jim

Quatrain Day

Greetings:

Today is April 4th, 4/4: what better day than today to celebrate the syllabic quatrain?  Here I am particularly focusing on the single verse quatrain; things like the single verse quatrain found in Chinese classical poetry, or the Rubai of Persia/Iran, or the Englynn from Wales, etc.  The single verse syllabic Quatrain is found in widely diverse cultures.  It is a great form, marvelously flexible, it is also often highly memorable with a sing-song, lyrical quality to it.

Take some time today to read some Quatrains from classical Chinese, Persian, or Welsh sources.  If so inclined, pen one, or more, of your own.

On Saint Anthony

The vast heart of God
Anthony in the desert
The harp of silence

Ascetic Landscape

The sand dunes of space
Angels at an oasis
Palm fronds of starlight

Past Imperfect

Like rain from the fourth month overcast sky --
Try to ignore the past;
Desert winds the boulders blast,
Boulders that a glacier cast