About me, Nature, and Sijo (시조)

I am inspired by Nature. In 2023, I was looking for a 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 to look through my Nature photos for inspiration. I began to write sijo based on my Nature photos.

My connection to Korea

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

The Sijo (시조) that Got Me.

This is the sijo that ‘got me:’

Mount Tae1 may be high, but it is a mountain under the sky

If you climb and not give up, there is no way you can’t succeed

Yet people stay at the 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 Eon/양사언 (1517-1584)

This sijo has stuck with me. It is timeless.

I also post my sijo in a simple format at neildbarker.ca