Poetry Challenge: The Duality of The Samurai

I am creating this poetry challenge, so that the poets of Triond can help support each other. Poets are the true warriors of society, because we can use our words as weapons, but we can also use our words to create beauty. This duality was part of the Samurai way as well, so I find it only fitting that we build a theme around The Duality Of The Samurai.

    

     I’ve always loved reading about ancient warriors, something about the way of the sword appeals to my dual nature.  Samurai were one of my favorite subjects to read about, because these men were fierce warriors, but they lived by a strict code of ethics.  A Samurai by definition was a fierce warrior, prepared to kill anyone who threatened him.  His loyalty was to his emperor, and he would fight to the death to fulfill this duty. This fierce nature would threaten to drive any man into the heart of darkness, because of the blood he would have to shed, but the Samurai to keep balance in his life also strove to create beauty.  Most Samurai were not only masters of the sword, they were also masters of art and poetry.  To offset his nature to destroy, a Samurai also saw the beauty in life and would strive to create beauty in words or pictures.  This dual nature of the Samurai is beautiful, and to honor them I have created this poetic challenge.

     This challenge will consist of writing 2 individual Haiku.  A Haiku is a form of poetry that consist of three lines.  The first line is 5 syllables long, the second is 7 syllables long, and the last line is 5 syllables long.  Here is an example:

To write a Haiku,

Seven syllables should be,

In between the fives.

     The theme of these 2 Haiku should describe a dual nature such as life and death, heaven and hell, or love and hate.  Any dual nature will be accepted, these are just examples. 

     Now after you write your contributions post the links in the comment section of this article.  This way the readers of this article will be able to click on the links and read your individual poems.  I hope you will find this challenge interesting and fun, and for all who read this article please check back frequently as there will be more contributions added daily. 

If you would like to earn money for writing your own original poetry please click here.

If you found this challenge interesting be sure to see the previous challenge:

Poetry Challenge: Fibonacci Poetry

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30 Comments
  1. Posted January 20, 2012 at 12:34 am

    This my contribution to the poetry challenge. I hope you will enjoy.
    http://authspot.com/poetry/morning-glory-and-moonflower/

  2. Posted January 20, 2012 at 4:55 am

    This is a great idea! I will be checking back on a regular basis. I’ve already read and commented on yours – you are very clever.

  3. Posted January 20, 2012 at 8:33 am

    Good one.

  4. Posted January 20, 2012 at 11:06 am

    where did i submit that poem, Phiil?

  5. Posted January 20, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    Wow – another great challenge. I just LOVED doing the Fibonacci challenge (I just loved being a FIBBER!!!) and I’m up for the Samurai challenge too. Give me a few days and I’ll post my 2 haiku.

    Another fabulous theme from a great poetry teacher.

  6. Posted January 20, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    Here you go: http://authspot.com/poetry/cold-wind-haiku/

  7. Posted January 20, 2012 at 5:31 pm

    part 2: http://authspot.com/poetry/whispers-in-the-wind-haiku/

  8. Posted January 21, 2012 at 10:39 am

    Loving the challenges PHILLY! Thank you! Here is my contribution.

    http://authspot.com/poetry/mind-vs-mind-poetry-challenge-the-duality-of-the-samurai/

  9. Posted January 21, 2012 at 10:56 am

    great challenge

  10. Posted January 21, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    here is 1 haiku which is in conflict with itself: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/8588882-treasured-pictures-haiku

  11. Posted January 21, 2012 at 5:47 pm

    A nice idea.

  12. Posted January 21, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    http://authspot.com/poetry/ironical-samurai/

    THIS IS MY ENTRY PHIL…

  13. Posted January 21, 2012 at 7:01 pm

    http://authspot.com/poetry/two-edged-samurai/

    Another one..

  14. Posted January 21, 2012 at 7:36 pm

    http://authspot.com/poetry/samurais-pen/

    This is my 3rd piece..

  15. Posted January 21, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    Sun rises as death leaves
    The blade of redemption bleeds glory
    As the extracted soul travels

    Maiyah(c) 1/21/2012 5:52pm

  16. Posted January 21, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    You’re making me thing with this one. I’m thinking this means life after death. Or after physical death the soul still remains alive..

  17. Posted January 21, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    Exactly

  18. Posted January 21, 2012 at 8:30 pm

    This is a challenge piece written by Summaiyah Rashaud. Please show some love as this was her first attempt at Haiku.
    http://authspot.com/poetry/haiku-57/

  19. Posted January 21, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    http://authspot.com/poetry/peace-and-war-haiku/
    This poem was contributed by Ramonf77. This is another amazing piece of poetry please be sure to leave Ramon some love.

  20. Posted January 21, 2012 at 10:00 pm

    just want to post this poem of mine..
    which (w/c ) i think is related..
    for i believe that all things are one in the the same
    for there is only one creator- GOD!
    PLS. DO READ THIS POEM below:
    http://authspot.com/poetry/life-is-an-art-magnum-opus-dei/

  21. Posted January 22, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    I applaud your efforts to inspire the poets of triond. I find it difficult lately to write much, given that I have a family and a life outside of triond, but I will try to submit to your challenge.

    By the way, I think you mean senryu, not haiku. To see exactly what I mean, I suggest you read:

    http://writinghood.com/style/the-true-haiku-and-its-origins/

  22. Posted January 22, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    I see you’ve had a fab response up to now. Must get around to reading the contributions. Mine will be ready and up soon. Hope it passes muster!!!

  23. Posted January 22, 2012 at 1:52 pm

    On “The True Haiku and It’s Origins”, Philly says: “So Haiku has specific guidelines as far as content.”

    Only in that content must be representative of the seasonal requirements. Mama Nature, though, can give you billions of ideas, don’t you think?

    Where haiku has such limitations, senryu does not. Senryu is an exact replica of the form of haiku, just without the restrictions that haiku comes with.

    :) Thanks for stopping by. I’ll check out more of your stuff at a later time. Ciao for now.

  24. Posted January 23, 2012 at 7:45 am

    I wish I could write one for this challenge…Thanks dude, your idea is great.

  25. Posted January 23, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    My contribution’s up! Here it is. I hope it’s good enough to compete with the other fab entries:
    Ups and Downs
    http://authspot.com/poetry/ups-and-downs-5/

  26. Posted January 24, 2012 at 5:03 am

    thank god for I got your link from kristie claar poem. Was not thinking of participating in this one..but after I read your piece above, might give it a shot!
    Hey, this was a superb share! Enjoyed reading every word of it. Thank you for introducing me to the Samurai! And as before, great idea!!!

  27. Posted January 25, 2012 at 11:21 am

    Here is my contribution

    http://authspot.com/poetry/respond-to-poetry-challenge-the-duality-of-the-samurai/

    I hope I am not too late :D

  28. Posted January 25, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Here’s my contribution, too. Hope you like it.

    http://authspot.com/poetry/duel-natures/

  29. Posted January 25, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    Keep these poetry contest going! They’re so much fun! Here’s mine.

    http://authspot.com/poetry/two-haiku-strength-vs-weakness/

  30. Posted January 27, 2012 at 12:05 am

    good thinking

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