Waka Dai-ei Signpost 10

For a poet, a topic is like a door.

When you decide on a topic yourself and compose a poem, you tend to drift toward the easy path—choosing topics you like or find easy to write about—even if you don't intend to.
The perfect diagnostic tool for someone like me, “Topic-Poetry Signpost” was created by Kuretake-san, an acquaintance on X.
I am often taken aback by combinations of characters I have never seen before. It is proving to be excellent training.
(Of course, there are no eccentric topics like those found in tanka; all are traditional waka topics.)

In this “Waka Topic-Poetry Signpost,” I will compile the poems I compose one by one, based on the topics presented by the “Topic-Poetry Signpost” diagnostic tool.

The attitude of facing fixed forms while deciphering precedents, the hesitation in choosing words, and the flashes of inspiration that sometimes visit.
This is an attempt to record and share these experiences as a “modern-day topic-poetry practice.”
There are some waka that are poorly crafted, such as those with unfamiliar topics, but I intend to publish them as well, prioritizing broadening the range of topics I can handle over pursuing perfection.

I hope that not only fellow poets but also those interested in the activities of Waka Kajima will enjoy this.
Let us open the doors to unexpected topics and the doors to waka together.

Topic-Poetry Signpost 10

Wisteria Flowers at a Neighbor's House

Let even the scent cross the fence; the wisteria blossoms hanging from the eternal pine.

Cuckoo in the Village

Leaving the valley, the cuckoo has arrived already; in the village where summer is still young, at twilight.

Quietly Watching the Moon

My heart, watching alone, has become the moon itself; in the deep-night dwelling, even the insects are silent.

Snowy Morning in the Mountains and Fields

Waking up to see the fields and mountains as one, in the morning light of dawn with thin snow under the lingering moon.

Love for Driftwood

Even if it is bitter, I will not let anyone see it; even if the seaweed-drying wood of the diver at Korizuma rots away completely.

Dreams

Thinking of reality for a brief moment, I find myself dreaming again within a dream during a nap in the evening.

Hara-aka Imperial Offering

I gave up on this one and moved on to the next topic.

Waka Poetry Topic Guide

Note Version of Waka Poetry Topic Guide

X Version of Waka Poetry Topic Guide

It is difficult to read, but the versions before they were compiled on Note are posted here.
If you would like to know about updates, please check here.

Reading Waka by Waka Kajima

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I hope to continue my activities, such as creating and sharing Waka poetry, energetically without being swayed by financial instability.
For those who find meaning in Waka Kajima's activities and way of life, and who have the financial means to do so,
I would be grateful if you could support me in a way that is comfortable for you, such as through tips or memberships on note.

"Donations feel a bit heavy."
"It feels like it comes with responsibility..."
"If there were a reason, it would be easier to use that as an excuse to support."
If you have any such hesitations, you can also support me by purchasing low-priced content.

Of course, reading my works and articles, and receiving my messages, is in itself a great source of strength for me.
To those who may not have the means but still find value and meaning in what I do—I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude once again for your likes, shares, and support.

Let us continue to enjoy the endeavor of making the world more beautiful in our own respective ways.

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