Category: Tanka
Humanity’s order – Of that beyond arm’s reach – It cannot matter – Opposite the rows of life lined up – Into each one some rain falls. –…
A mother paces – She knew it could come to this – Mourning for her son – Couldn’t he at least respond – To the text she sent…
A Kamoshika Surrounded by green bamboo Spontaneity Reflected within its eyes Expressionless, the still moon – a tanka poem
Frozen evergreens Resolute in the valley Bowed branches supple. Wind howls above the mountain. Water flows beneath the snow. – a tanka poem
Pop autumn fireworks – Burst on the ground, morning frost – Over in sunlight – Tomorrow nearly the same – Until dew rests on snowfall – a tanka…
Somehow long lasting – In face of modern day woes – Americana. Shootings hold no nostalgia – Ignorance casts no light. – a tanka protest poem
He, a tall, kind man – who loved those large camphor trees – Leaves, seeds, on our porch – His apologies, too – All cut down now before…
The ridge holds the moon – while red fox glides up the slope – and snow cat descends. – Look, and move accordingly – Sometimes go up, sometimes…
So far away – a mother’s worried eyes – fall short of her son. – Gasping for air and vision – This is not democracy. – a tanka protest…
Helpful jealousy- from an innocent question- of a past boyfriend. – perhaps a silly response – or love’s timely reminder. – a senryu poem
Red leaves in autumn soon fall to the forest floor then turn to grey dust. No one remembers them green. Their shine lost in memory.
Standing spring grasses- pose unanswerable questions- to wild fox spirits.- Who move too fast to notice- the seeds in their red brown coats. – a tanka poem
Petals on a fern – Animated by the wind – Petals on the ground – Soon returning through decay – How much better to be held. -a mountain…
Work tugs, halide lights – Rolling gently, evening swell – Floating styrofoam – Fenders whine with dock lines taut – False appearance of order. -a tanka poem
Melting spring snow- Flows down the mountainside- into the sunlight. – Why not sit on tatami – and whisk macha tea? -a tanka poem
Study the details – For in them lies the essence, of reality. – Transcending a lonely soul – with vines and veins together. -a tanka poem
I came to the fields – A student without teacher – and met winter trees – Who said to be dynamic – and strike fantastic poses. -a tanka…
The valley spirit – Lies awake through the winter – Undisturbed by cold – Her seeds already planted – Listen for her unheard voice. – A tanka poem This tanka poem was…
Hanging like jewels – the deeds done by a kind soul – Left in the forest – Some traces of a life lived – Accolades water the moss. -a…
It dawns cold outside – A fire fills the room with warmth – Blue morning light grows – Until the air is so warm – That the grey…
Placed up on a hill – A small home casts a pale glow – On the blackened earth – This moonlight shines from within – Family, clouds, and…
Colors wash over – Reflected in an onsen – Mountains in autumn – Soaking in contemplation – Soaking in contemplation – An onsen is a hot spring…
Stretching to the sky – As still as the midnight moon – The way to nothing – Leads to the top of the cliff – Waves of impermanence…