Naani, Katauta, and Sedoka

From the Author

I’ve been inspired lately to experiment with other forms of poetry.

I tried, reader- I really tried to touch into the recognizable, like a Sonnet or Limerick, but damn, do I despise incessant rhyme.

Anyways; I’ve included some basic information on the forms I’ve listed below, as well as my first impression of the form. If you are a fan of any of these forms and found that I’ve made an error, then please let me know in the comments. The difference between appropriation and evolution is respect for the original.

Naani

This is an Indian form. Naani means “”An expression of one and all.” Composed of 4 lines and 20-25 syllables, this form generally focuses on human relations. I enjoy succinct poetry, and more than often stew over the… sameness of our interactions with one another- despite the great complexity within individual personalities. So it’s natural that this style of poetry immediately stood out to me as something I wanted to explore.

Naani #1

Offense speaks
Between furrowed brow
And blunted teeth
It punishes you for breathing

Naani #2

Without thought
A musing tongue
drops nails into the cogs of reason
corrupting time

Katauta and Sedoka

Yet again, I find myself beguiled by the Japanese forms. I’m sure I’ve mentioned it here before, but there’s just something about the flow in Japanese styles that lends itself to beauty and… that quickening of the soul that I always search for when writing.

Katauta are arranged in a 5/7/7 or 5/7/5 syllable form, and is intended to address a lover.

Sedoka are arranged in two stanzas on 5/7/7 and are often written from two different perspectives. I immediately thought of my recurring Nomad motif, and I’ve been seeking a means to connect this character to the Jaguar- another motif that you may see more often in my future work.

Katauta for my lady

A passion in red
A laugh that upends the air
Your presence revives the soul

Sedoka #1

“The Nomad and The Jaguar Meet”

The jungle nomad
His chest bears a heavy breath
His spear weighted with caution

Lazing in the sun
The Jaguar found his branch
Waiting claws buried in sloth