About me, Nature, and Sijo (시조)

I am inspired by the Natural world and enjoy photography. I was looking for a new creative outlet and found a Korean poetry style called sijo (시조.) The basic format is 3 lines with 14-16 syllables per line. A sijo introduces a problem or situation in line 1; additional detail in line 2; and a resolution or twist in line 3.

Something struck me about this sijo format. I began looking through some of my Nature photos for inspiration. I began to write sijo based on my Nature photos.

Me and my connection to Korea

I lived in Korea from 2003 - 2014. I never appreciated poetry (si/시) during my time in Korea. I use sijo as a way to bridge that connection with Nature and my photography here in Canada.

The Sijo (시조) that Got Me.

This is the sijo that ‘got me:’

Soaring high though a mountain may be, it is a mere mound beneath Heaven

Climb and climb, and no summit cannot be reached

Yet people stay at its base saying the mountain is too high.

태산이 높다하되 하늘아래 뫼이로다

오르고 또 오르면 못오를리 없건만은

사람이 제 아니 오르고 뫼만 높다 하더라

Yang Sa Eun (1517-1584)

Something about this sijo has stayed with me. This sijo is timeless. I asked my wife about this sijo and she said that it is a famous one that students learn in school in Korea.