Herb515

* Tanka is a form of Japanese poetry from 800 AD that is title-free. It consists of two lengths, the short form (“Katauta”) is from 5-19 odd numbered lines each alternating 5 and 7 syllables, and the long form (“Choka”) which flows in a pattern of alternating 5 and 7 syllables of any overall line total. The last line of 7 syllables summarizes the poem. Tanka poems are syllabic not metrical or rhythmic. They are designed to focus on experiencing a single moment of time precisely and emotionally while avoiding harsh and epithetic vulgarities. They are of classical Japanese beauty.



I am so sorry
please accept my apology
“yes,” you say with grace
these words have just changed the past
and rewrote history.


we obey the law
written in thousands of books
without one page for love
we live by a thousand rules
the heart needs but one.


I sit near my father
his stiff white shirt, tie and vest
it must be Sunday.
tea brews while an opera plays on
we are both asleep.


there are moments when I am subsumed
by waves of venery
on the beach or after dinner
wines succulent lobsters
oysters and scented oils
then it is over.

Tha-Emissary

The Second Tanka is Pure & Great in its simplicity . I appreciate the further explanation of this form and am looking forward to trying one for myself.

Herb515

Thanks CJ, I am enclosing a few 'SENRYU' poems, and a HAIKU of Japanese syllabic literacy (these are complete stories told in 3 lines, using 5-7-5 syllabils). HAIKU talks about nature only, and SENRYU portrays nature and/or humanity. I hope you enjoy them:














I write poetry
though my pencil keeps breaking
it’s fun but pointless








a Senryu











I can play baseball
when batting the ball looks big
before it hits me






a Senryu




















Haiku*

Spring’s Mississippi
barges flooded plains’ plush greens
corn wears red mud














*5-7-5; imagery or nature; no title or rhyme

JolieH

I love this.
I like what this poem says; the images light the content - family tradition rebuked with grace and dignity.


The info on form is appreciated.

Herb515

Soyanara!