The Way Of Dishonor (And Redemption)

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. 

Author's Note

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!

Reviews

[R J Askew]

My hungry eye devoured this from you. I wasn't going to read any more requests here because I am jaded. But I had to read this one because your title and, especailly, your first verse, catches precisely how I feel...unworthy, weak and foolish. The poem is a blade of truth straight into me. It is more than words. I normally find haikus a bit empty, but not this time. Perhaps yours just happens to match my mood. Anyway, it moves me. O to be worthy. O not to be strong. O to be wise.

[Priyankaabhilaashi]

Yes..!!! You should write more..!!!!

[Kelley]

I think you should write on. This was great and I already knew most of the stuff you told us about it. Great write can't wait to read more.

Kelley