S - Sedoka: Sudden Showers

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 The Sedoka form is believed to have originated in ancient Japan. It is often written in pairs, with two consecutive Sedoka poems forming a larger poem known as a Katauta. The two Sedoka poems are typically connected thematically and often tell a story or express a single idea or emotion.  Mine is a pair written from the viewpoint of a husband and wife. 

Sedoka are short, three-line poems that share many features with haiku. But they are arranged in a different syllable pattern, 5-7-7 rather than 5-7-5.

Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge, by Hiroshige Atake.  My print is either a late Edo-period (1857-1868) or early Meiji impression (late 1860s-1870s), both considered "original period" impressions printed from the original blocks, using the same pigments and techniques as the first edition (1857).  There would be a seal to date it more accurately, but it's currently matted and framed so the seal cannot be seen.   How it came to be in my family is a sad story.  My father bought this, and a few other Japanese prints, from Japanese neighbors who were selling their belongings prior to going into WWII internment camps in California.  He paid 50¢ each.  


sudden summer rain

my mat held over my head

I will arrive home sopping


your umbrella stands

against the wall, forgotten

I will make hot tea and manjū


©2026 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved  

Manju

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