The Way Of Dishonor (And Redemption)

My very first attempt at haiku writing. This is about the sad life of the Ronin in feudal seventeenth-century Japan...

The Way Of Dishonor (And Redemption)

Shame clouds the dark skies

Dishonor stains where I tread

I am too far gone. 

Rain falls with such pain

Blossoms tarnished by my deeds

I am on my own. 

My blades held aloft

Towards fading light so far

I shall not be saved. 

Blossom petals fall

Dying light shining from streams

Crash upon the graves. 

Fields of the fallen

Far beyond the Sundered Realm

Hear the black wind's song. 

Many more like me

Embracing the call to arms

Beyond mountains high. 

Katana raised high

I shall answer the strong call

Upon my honor gone. 

On ancestors past

Upon my ryus so strong

Glory shall be mine. 

Author's Note

Image taken from Wikipedia
The image is of Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most famous ronin that ever lived.
For those who don't know, when a samurai's master had died or was defamed, a samurai had to commit honorary hara-kiri ceremonial suicide. Those who did not became ronin, master-less samurai, and were viewed with great dishonor.
If you don't like explanations then you may want to omit this paragraph.
This haiku story is based loosely after the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, where many samurai on the losing side became ronin. This battle was also called the Battle for the Sundered Realm. Eventually over a hundred thousand ronin went to fight at the Siege of Osaka. I'm writing from a ronin who's eager to regain his honor at the siege...
Tell me if I should write one for the Shoguns!

Reviews

[Frantzuu]

Great metaphors and the way the words paint a great image in my head.

[trainwreck]

Yes! Write from a shogun perspective!
This was very good. Haikus can be annoying, but these were not by any means. Wonderful read here.

[Marie Harrison]

Wondeful images throughout this beautiful poem.

[KAREN]

What a beautiful painted picture! Words that comes alive when read! Excellent!!

[Linear]

I know little about Japan and less about haiku, but i know a good piece of art when i see it, and this is it

[Geralyn Miller]

I definitely like this poem, the explanation serves to illuminate. Definitely write one for the Shoguns, and when you do, send me a read request, if you would.

[Charles]

Nice set of haiku... several are really quite good, capturing the spirit of the form very well. And, the story aspect is great. Good job.

[Valentine]

This is the first poem that I have seen where each grouping is a haiku...very well done..lol and God bless..Kathie

[Coyote Poetry]

All of the haiku are very good. I like the feel of old world and story. Outstanding poetry. Thank you.
Coyote

[OT]

very nice UD!! love the way you've weaved in the mysticism of the ages, history and myth combined in old wisdom! a nice extended senryu, well done indeed!! nice!