The Way Of Dishonor (And Redemption)

The Way Of Dishonor (And Redemption)

A Poem by Undying Glory
"

My very first attempt at haiku writing. This is about the sad life of the Ronin in feudal seventeenth-century Japan...

"
The Way Of Dishonor (And Redemption)

Shame clouds the dark skies
Dishonor stains where I tread
I am too far gone. 

Rain falls with such pain
Blossoms tarnished by my deeds
I am on my own. 

My blades held aloft
Towards fading light so far
I shall not be saved. 

Blossom petals fall
Dying light shining from streams
Crash upon the graves. 

Fields of the fallen
Far beyond the Sundered Realm
Hear the black wind's song. 

Many more like me
Embracing the call to arms
Beyond mountains high. 

Katana raised high
I shall answer the strong call
Upon my honor gone. 

On ancestors past
Upon my ryus so strong
Glory shall be mine. 

© 2011 Undying Glory


Author's Note

Undying Glory
Image taken from Wikipedia
The image is of Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most famous ronin that ever lived.
For those who don't know, when a samurai's master had died or was defamed, a samurai had to commit honorary hara-kiri ceremonial suicide. Those who did not became ronin, master-less samurai, and were viewed with great dishonor.
If you don't like explanations then you may want to omit this paragraph.
This haiku story is based loosely after the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, where many samurai on the losing side became ronin. This battle was also called the Battle for the Sundered Realm. Eventually over a hundred thousand ronin went to fight at the Siege of Osaka. I'm writing from a ronin who's eager to regain his honor at the siege...
Tell me if I should write one for the Shoguns!

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Reviews

Great metaphors and the way the words paint a great image in my head.

Posted 13 Years Ago


Yes! Write from a shogun perspective!
This was very good. Haikus can be annoying, but these were not by any means. Wonderful read here.

Posted 13 Years Ago


Wondeful images throughout this beautiful poem.

Posted 13 Years Ago


What a beautiful painted picture! Words that comes alive when read! Excellent!!

Posted 13 Years Ago


I know little about Japan and less about haiku, but i know a good piece of art when i see it, and this is it

Posted 13 Years Ago


I definitely like this poem, the explanation serves to illuminate. Definitely write one for the Shoguns, and when you do, send me a read request, if you would.

Posted 13 Years Ago


Nice set of haiku... several are really quite good, capturing the spirit of the form very well. And, the story aspect is great. Good job.

Posted 13 Years Ago


This is the first poem that I have seen where each grouping is a haiku...very well done..lol and God bless..Kathie

Posted 13 Years Ago


All of the haiku are very good. I like the feel of old world and story. Outstanding poetry. Thank you.
Coyote

Posted 13 Years Ago


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OT
very nice UD!! love the way you've weaved in the mysticism of the ages, history and myth combined in old wisdom! a nice extended senryu, well done indeed!! nice!

Posted 13 Years Ago



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1135 Views
33 Reviews
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Shelved in 2 Libraries
Added on January 25, 2011
Last Updated on January 26, 2011
Tags: haiku, poem, dishonor, way, redemption, and, ronin, sad, life, seventeenth, century, Japan

Author

Undying Glory
Undying Glory

Singapore, Singapore



About
The average guy you'd meet on the street, only with a hidden streak. Or several, for that matter. 24 year old, 4th year medical student, studying in Dundee, Scotland. Never underestimate the pow.. more..

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