Carpe Diem #1809 Wedding Bells
The choka can be almost any length, because its form depends on alternating phrases (or lines) containing either seven of five sound units (onji). The end of the poem is signaled by two lines of seven sounds. So the form is five/seven, five/seven, five seven, …. , seven/seven.   it is then followed by a tanka like envoy. This was a popular form of  Japanese poetry in the 9th century.

hands folded in prayer
eyes closed as if still sleeping
we each kiss your cheek
one hundred years old
mourned by all you touched
a life time of love
scattered over the seasons
nurturing many
friendships bathed in sunlight
blossoming through your kindness

the death bell tolls out
but is it for the mourning
or a wedding tune
this death day your reunion
your marriage in heaven

Advertisement