Young Samurai: The Way of the Dragon by Chris Bradford

Author:Chris Bradford [Bradford, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical, Juvenile Fiction, General
ISBN: 9780141324326
Google: AgrBuRLJ-DoC
Amazon: 1423120264
Barnesnoble: 1423120264
Goodreads: 7845973
Publisher: Penguin Books Limited
Published: 2010-03-04T05:00:00+00:00

28

THE GRACIOUS LOSER

‘... impossible to decide,’ Sensei Nakamura announced.

‘Like peas in a pod, we have two poets of equal worth,’ explained Saigyo.

The hall was instantly abuzz with excited chatter as to who could be the most likely haiku candidates. Jack hoped Yori was one of them. It was just the sort of confidence boost his friend needed.

Once the news of a draw had sunk in, Saigyo continued ‘I propose a maekuzuke between the two best entrants.’

The class sat rigid, no longer from cold but with anticipation.

Sensei Nakamura stepped forward to explain the rules.

‘Our honoured guest will provide a short two-line verse to which the participants must add a haiku of their own, and so form a complete tanka poem. The joining verse will be judged on its originality and relevance to the given phrase. The participants must compose their contribution on the spot.’

The difficulty of the challenge triggered an astonished gasp from the students.

‘Yori-kun and Takuan-kun, step forward.’

Yori froze, looking startled as a rabbit caught out in the open.

Jack whispered, ‘Don’t worry. You’re a natural with words.’

Takuan jumped up and strode to the front. The class waited patiently while Yori, finding his feet, reluctantly joined him.

Saigyo greeted Yori with a reassuring smile.

‘Your opening phrase is a simple dilemma:

‘ “I want to kill him,

I don’t want to kill him…” ’

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