View of Mt. Fuji, #84
by Len Krisak
But what’s a view without a joke or two?
Here, Hokusai half-hides his picture’s heart
Behind a net that’s risen like a sail.
Horizon disappears between the blue
Of water and a clear, light sky. Apart
From all (a fisherman appears to fail
To catch it) flees what seems to be a swallow,
Heading from the frame and just beyond
The kite of mesh that screens the holy height.
The man is just a hat and hands, his hollow
Vessel only curves nestling in the pond
And grasses. Still, one sees he’s caught the white-
Capped mountain– if those snows have been his goal.
Or has the bird escaped with Fuji’s soul?
I like the artistry of the sonnet form and yet very natural expression. Both gems!
Oh yeah. I hadn’t noticed the sonnet form. I usually get around to noticing technicaal stuff like that at the fourth or fifth reading. The rhyme scheme is really interesting. I don’t think I’ve seen it before. And with all the enjambents, yes it has a very natural feel. The rhymes hide themselves as I read and yet are satisfyingly there when I look for them.
I hadn’t noticed the joke inherent in the print I would have missed it but for the poem. The pair of them together are so delightful.
To both Stephanie and Melanie, many thanks !
That particular sonnet was written years ago.
–Len K.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting, Len. I heard you give a reading years ago in Gloucester, MA with Jody Bottum.
Many thanks, Melanie !