Twin swords

"Twin swords" is a poem by Kel Zem Rao.

Form

In Zem Rao's lifetime, the poem's form, based on the sequence 5,4,6,2,3, was associated with the Rahal. The number 5 generates the group of units of the field of seven elements, and thus under the heptarchate this sequence (together with an implied identity element) was considered a natural choice for an orderly mind. Some heptarchate writers speculated that the poem has an internal loop implied by the potential placement of the identity element at the beginning or end of the sequence, allowing for reading of the stanzas in different orders. For example, one might choose to end the poem after "strange" and begin with the image of matching scabbards for which the poem is often remembered.

Under the hexarchate, this form was ascribed to the Nirai, due to the broader Nirai tradition of writing one poem for each possible permutation of six elements.

Translations

Critics often describe attempts to translate heptarchate or hexarchate poetry into English as unsuccessful, since English metrical traditions are not naturally compatible with high language poetic forms. One possible rendering uses iambs:

The scholar's strike falls quiet in his hand:

its force thrums to a hasty block.

His guard's a plain brushed gray against his glove,

his gray eyes catch like binding steel.

The soldier twists and thrusts inside the line. His sword,

hilt filigreed

with vines and feints and interlocking lies, must pierce--

is it not strange

the brighter sword is sliding

into a blackened scabbard

and the gray blade is sheathed

within a jeweled case.

Another option is to follow the sequence in a literal syllable count:

Strike with a still hand:

block captures force.

Dull gray guard, black glove,

gray eyes, steel binds.

Twisting and thrusting straight,

leaves twine

hilt for feints, tip to pierce.

So strange:

bright sword slides

in black sheath,

gray blade in

shining case.