Waka is the classical poetic form of Japan. Each poem is in the syllabic form 5-7-5-7-7. This is the form that was used by the famous Japanese poet Saigyo. He usually wrote a short prose introduction to explain the setting of the poem.
Here is a poem following from the work we have been doing clearing the remote field dedicated to Aphrodite. This poem is actually in 7-5-7-7-7 form which is not standard.
deep in the wood, a clearing
bedecked with hawthorne
sacred to Aphrodite
made with love by dint of steel
and flame with which to crown her.
Replies
on the holy tree
tempting is the evil fruit
bitter sweet the thorn
but when it comes to burning
sweet love towers over all
Cutting thorns for love,
now and then lost in thicket
a foolish attempt
to be like Aphrodity.
Teach me of sweet in bitterness
David Brazier said:
Clear blue cloudless sky.
As I sip my cup of tea
the morning stillness
does not impress the kitten
intent upon catching flies.
Is wicked wicked
for the goddess of sweet love?
Or is it ourselves,
choosing light over darkness,
who miss the bliss of the shade?
After sweet flowers
bitter berries will appear
in Venus meadow
delightful scent, wicked taste,
in this field of light and shadow
Communion with her
is never in vain, they say ~
what will it bring forth
in this field of sacred may
where holy berries ripen.
Hidden field, protects
with her black and holy thornes,
a human being
in the heart of her shelter
working for Aphrodite
Flowers blossoming
Sky exploding with thunder
Rain pouring down in torrents
Then luminous sparkling sun