Two Julains (NaPoWriMo 2006)

Hokku (A Julain)

He sets his brush aside and, having said
the final line of his hokku, commands
his son to hold his words with younger hands.

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Death Poem (A Julain)

The dropping petals leave the scent of plum
upon his robes. The wind can hear the sigh
the shogun breathes, his gesture to the sky.

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The julain is a poetic form invented by Julie Carter.