Mistakes and Motives
Note of Explanation: The sijo is originally a form of traditional Korean poetry/verse comprised of three lines (or sections, as the lines are often visually divided for stylistic reasons, as here) of 14-16 syllables each, with each line roughly consisting of two sections. Sijo have gained some limited popularity in English, and unlike other traditional Eastern forms of minimalist poetry (haiku, tanka, etc.) metaphor, figurative language in general, and explicitly emotional content is permitted by and even encouraged in the composition of the form. More information about sijo may be found online for the curious reader. This sijo seeks to capture a portrait of Elizabeth, in general. Please read and review!
a humbled figure stoops in the window
-silhouetted by the fading sunset
sighing amidst the children's toys
-and gifts of long ago
indecision lingers as hazel strands conceal tears of regret