Wakayama Triad

Wowee Rey P. Ariza

Japan is a very enticing country. I must admit that I am one of the many foreigners who have fallen in love with the place. But Wakayama Prefecture even makes this country lovelier and more captivating. I could not discuss in detail how I got the inspiration in scribbling these three simple poems. I am not fond of writing poems. Maybe my total fascination of the stunning beauty and utter sacredness of the place has turned me into an amateur poet.
I have dubbed these simple poems as Wakayama Triad, borrowing the term Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner, who was a pioneer in crafting the Periodic Table of the Elements, used in describing the patterns of relationship that existed among three elements when he was trying to organize them. He was one of the pioneers of crafting the Periodic Table of the Elements.
Somehow, these three poems are interrelated in the sense that they all serve as odes for Wakayama Prefecture. These poems briefly describe the place, the people and the distinct culture as well as the overall influence the place has on me as a foreign resident.
The three poems could also be read as an acrostic defining each letter of the word WAKAYAMA. The poems were conceived at different times and circumstances. One just flashed into my mind while I was riding my bicycle going to Wakayama University, the other one was written while I was mingling with other senior students at the Chemistry Department and another one was completed during a trip to Nachikatsuura.
For me, what I have known about this place is just the tip of an iceberg. How I wish I could stay longer to further increase my knowledge but for sure, no foreigner could ever portray Wakayama enough. I am just one of the many nature lovers who tried.


Realization
(Wowee Rey P. Ariza 25 June 2006)

Wavering thoughts arose when I had first known,
A little about this place, where eclectic cultures spawn,
Keeping my guilt of disliking it before,
Adds shame on my heart, remorse is in store.
Years have carved its sacred reputation,
Abundant gifts of nature provide the persuasion,
Meandering rivers, stunning views and verdant grounds,
Abode of grandeur, wonder and the profound.

Brimming Beauty
(by Wowee Rey P. Ariza 6 June 2006)

Wonderful nights,
Alluring sights,
Knitted hearts,
Abiding love of majestic gods.
Youthful graces,
Amiable faces,
Melody of a gorgeous dream,
Adorning life`s ever flowing stream.

Falling
(by Wowee Rey P. Ariza 22 June 2006)

Waves rushing while gentle winds are blowing,
As sunrise comes, reveries are flashing,
Knowing is feeling, innocence recurring,
Abounding thoughts keep on lingering.
Yesterday is gone but `twas worth seizing,
Azure skies and golden sunsets poising,
Mesmerizing mountain slopes with mists hovering,
Adrift in someone`s reminiscence, a heart yearning.


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