Advent: Love
morning fog / sparrow appears / flying low
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love's sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love's sake becamest poor.
– “Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor”
hymn text by Frank Houghton
The fourth week of Advent represents love. In today’s post, I’m using the humble sparrow in these Japanese forms to image what Christ did for love in the incarnation – even before birth – according to 2 Corinthians 8:9.1
If you’re interested in learning more about the forms contained in this series, you’ll find descriptions below the image. You may enjoy letting the poems sink in before looking into their forms.
– MR
I. Haiku morning fog— sparrow appears flying low II. Imayo spring storm rises from the west—cresting like a wave around the sparrow’s tree it breaks—buffeting his branch protected from the wind he sits—sheltered and peaceful secure against the thick trunk—waiting for his time III. Choka stretching rested wings the sparrow slowly takes flight measured and patient knowing journey’s end can wait for each small milestone— many miles must be traveled before home comes into view IV. Gogyohka unfaltering the sparrow flies rapid wingbeats soft and constant distant drums V. Choka seasons run their course and still the sparrow travels growing in vigor increasing in steadfastness without looking back— he cares not for the distance bent on his destination VI. Imayo now clouds darken and wind whips—rain is a hammer the storm encompasses him—pulsing and crashing still he must continue on—home nearly in sight naught to do but face the wind—safety lies ahead VII. Haiku moon glow on the windowsill— sparrow rests
Also in the Advent Series
In order of appearance
Haiku
Three lines: long / short / long per modern haiku trends with no syllable rules. Nature as the overriding theme: a short poem describing a single moment in time. Includes a seasonal reference (e.g. “moon glow”) and a kireji or “cutting word” (I’ve chosen to use an em-dash, because there are no cutting words in English as there are in Japanese).
Imayo
A 4-line poem meant to be sung, with 12 syllables per line and a pause after the first 7 syllables of each line, shown here by an em-dash. No rules for subject matter. I use these to tell a story.
Choka
Translates as “long poem” (as opposed to tanka which means “short poem”). Alternating lines of 5 and 7 syllables, ending with a couplet of 7-syllable lines. The first 2 lines set the theme and the rest of the lines expand on it and enrich its meaning. Usually written as sets of couplets. I’ve bent that rule here.
Gogyohka
Translates as "five-line poem." It’s simple: just 5 lines, with 1 phrase per line. The length of a “phrase” is completely subjective. I tend toward very short phrases for these because I find that brevity opens up the form’s potential. No subject matter rules, seasonal references, or kireji required.
If you wish to show your support but a paid subscription is out of reach, you can simply buy me a coffee and help me stay awake so I can write more.
Whether or not you choose either of these options, I’m grateful that you’ve chosen to spend time here. Your readership is support enough!
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”