September 15th through October 14th is National Hispanic Heritage Month so as my mind wanders over seven seas having returned from India a few days ago, I decided to pick a form that will allow me to shift focus and also weave in a not so subtle salute to Hispanic heritage. So here is something from the heart: seven lines actually that let me sail across the seven seas through words.
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Poetic Sundays: Seven Lines of the Seguidilla: From the Heart
As I mentioned already, the poetic form this week is the Spanish seguidilla, which allows for a change in tone or focus in the middle of the poem. That aspect of the form helps me deal with the varied feelings I have been having over the past few weeks.
The seguidilla is also an old Castilian folksong and dance form with various regional variations across Spain (source).
So What is the Seguidilla?
The Seguidilla is a traditional Spanish poetic form that consists of short stanzas with a specific rhyme and syllable pattern. It is known for its lively and rhythmic quality.
The Seguidilla’s Characteristics
So the seguidilla’s elements are that at its most basic, it is:
- stanzaic: has one or more septets (7 lines). Each septet is split into two parts.
- syllabic: syllable count of 7/5/7/5 / 5/7/5 across the seven lines
- rhymed: by assonance xaxabxb or xaxabab. x being unrhymed
- composed with a change in tone or focus between lines 4 and 5; and also a pause/end stop here
My Seguidilla Attempt
Nights of Worry, Days of Hope
(Bridging Oceans: From the Heart)
News across seas are a blend
~ hope fear mom so weak
I worry, in night’s quiet,
As illness shrouds her in dreams.
My girl’s goals ~ bright bold,
We work on them, in earnest,
As hope’s tales unfold.
~ Vidya @ LadyInReadWrites
Six Degrees: From Invisible Lives to Invisible Elephants
A really late entry for Six Degrees this month but want to keep it going, and I was able to think of linking titles pretty quick this time around.
Here is my six degrees: Wifedom –> The Zookeeper’s Wife –> Life of Pi –> The Girl Who Rowed the Ocean –> The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz –> The Elephant’s Girl –> The Invisible Elephant –> Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell’s Invisible Life
Wifedom –> The Zookeeper’s Wife
The link: The word ‘wife‘!
As always, I am yet to read the book that is starting off this month’s six degrees – Wifedom – and given all the literary connections, I think I will be picking it up soon.
As for The Zookeeper’s Wife, I loved the book (and also the movie). Here is my book vs movie comparison post for this.
The Zookeeper’s Wife –> Life of Pi
The link: Zookeepers.
Pi’s dad in Life of Pi is a zookeeper too, and if you have read the book or watched the movie, you will know this one starts off in a zoo. A book I wanted to keep reading, and a movie that seemed larger than life. You can check more of my thoughts on the book and movie here.
Life of Pi –> The Girl Who Rowed the Ocean
The link: A character who rowed the ocean!
I realized I never posted a review for this book after reading it, but did write about it as I started reading it (and loved it!)
The Girl Who Rowed the Ocean –> The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz
‘The girl who’ of course is the link!
The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz is a current read, and like with other WWII reads, one that tugs and tugs at heartstrings but I need to keep reading it. Plus, it is based on a true story, which means those tugs are really strong ones.
The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz –> The Elephant’s Girl
The link: Still keeping it with the ‘girl’
The Elephant’s Girl was a powerful, wonderful read.. I mention it in this post featuring another book titled The Elephant Girl
The Elephant’s Girl –> The Invisible Elephant
The link: Elephant.. and somehow more relevant given we are celebrating Lord Ganesha this week
The Invisible Elephant is a sweet, heartwarming, and powerful children’s chapter book with gorgeous and creative illustrations that are sure inspire discussions about disabilities and the ways we can help, and the power of imagination!
The Invisible Elephant –> Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell’s Invisible Life
Closing the circle with the ‘invisible‘ ink, I mean, link!
Recently
On My Blog and the Homefront
- Daily Inspiration: 13 Ways to Be Creative Everyday
- Dahl’s Dynamic Duos: Exploring Remarkable Relationships
- Sunday Scribblings #160: Whimsical Verses Inspired by the Wonderful Dahl
We dropped off my son at his off-campus apartment. The last few days prior to this were last minute buys and packing, and finally he is settled into his new space. His roommates are moving in over the week so he got first dibs on fridge and kitchen cabinet space for his stuff!!
Hoping for miracles and coming to terms with realities as my mom continues to fight a valiant battle against the dreaded C. On the one hand, I am glad I got the opportunity to spend a month with her; and on the other, I keep hoping I get another chance to spend a month with her even a couple of years from now.
Upcoming: More From the Heart
On My Blog and On the Homefront
Will try to keep posting as writing does help me keep myself occupied. As I mentioned in a previous post, these months also bring with them various events. This week is in celebration of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the one we worship first. I am sure to be sending him an extra prayer for my mom.
Celebrations
Literary Celebrations (close-to-it also!)
- Literary birthdays this week include: Samuel Johnson on the 18th of September; Rebecca Skloot, Penelope Mortimer, William Golding and Salil Chowdhury on the 19th of Sept; George R.R. Martin, Jude Deveraux, Upton Sinclair on Sept 20th; H.G. Wells, Leonard Cohen, Stephen King on the 21st of Sept; Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on the 23rd; F. Scott Fitzgerald on Sept 24th
- It is Read an eBook Day on the 18th of September.
- Followed by Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19
- Sept 22nd is Hobbit Day and Dear Diary Day (one that lets you speak from the heart of course!)
- Well, I got to know this: on the 24th, of this month – that is September – it’s National Punctuation Day
Foodie Celebrations
- The 18th is Rice Krispies Treat Day
- Followed by National Butterscotch Pudding Day on the 19th of September
- The 20th of September is National Fried Rice Day and National String Cheese Day as well as National Punch Day
- It is National Chai Day and National Pecan Cookie Day on the 21st of September, so the perfect time to enjoy your cup of chai with a cookie!
- National Ice Cream Cone Day and National White Chocolate Day follow on the 22nd to indulge my sweet tooth.
- It is National Snack Stick Day on Sept 23rd
- While the 24th of September is National Cherries Jubilee Day and National Horchata Day
Other Celebrations and Observations
- National Cartonnage Day is celebrated on September 18 annually. Cartonnage refers to box/carton making. It is also Locate an Old Friend Day, Respect for the Aged Day, and National Respect Day.
- It is National Care for Kids Day on the 20th of September
- The 21st observes International Day of Peace, World’s Alzheimer’s Day, and World Gratitude Day
- Sept 22nd is World Rhino Day, International Day of Radiant Peace, as well as Elephant Appreciation Day, National Centenarian’s Day, and National Girls’ Night
- International Day of Sign Languages and International Celebrate Bisexuality Day are observed on the 23rd of Sept. It is also National Teal Talk Day
- The fourth Saturday of this month observes International Rabbit Day and also Save Your Photos Day, National Ghost Hunting Day, and National Public Lands Day
- It is Bluebird of Happiness Day on the 24th of September as well as World Rivers Day and World Bollywood Day too apparently!
Related Reads: Some From the Heart
- E is for Elephants – Facts, Stories, and Reads
- Fabulous Festivals in the Fall
- Dear Diary – Here is a Day For Wonderful You: for stories from the heart!
Wrapped Up: My Sunday Scribblings
So dear reader, you have reached the end of this Sunday Scribblings! As always, I welcome your thoughts, comments, and suggestions about this post. Will you be attempting the seguidilla? And, of course, do let me know if you plan to celebrate any of these mentioned celebrations this coming week/month?
Linking this to the Sunday Post over at the Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Salon
I have never heard of the Seguidilla before. I love your poem! Nicely done!
This is the first time I’ve heard of Seguidilla. I’m glad to know a bit more about it. You did a great job with your poem.
I will have to get some of these books you mentioned!
We dropped off our son at college too. He also has roommates and it seems to be going well.
poetry! i have been researching different forms of poetry from the different cultures and today i have added another bit of information into my general knowledge!
I had never heard of a seguidilla before. (Hope I spelled that right) Beautiful words you composed. Saying a prayer for your mom.
I’m really goad to know more about Seguidilla. What a nice suggestions of books you have here
What an interesting set of books! I must say you have a way with words very nice poem!
It’s nice to find out always new things about poetry on your blog! I’ve never heard about Seguidilla before.
“From the Heart: Seven Lines, Seven Seas”
A poetic voyage that beautifully captures the essence of the human spirit and the vastness of our emotions.
I will add these books to my lists! Thank you so much for sharing and recommending it
My favorites have to be the food days! Love celebrating these foods, especially Rice Crispies and string cheese!
First time to heard about Seguidilla. A different poetic style that is short but with complete thought. Amazing!