Hello Readership!
Thank you for all your feedback on "Poem in your pocket" day. So proud! Many of you went all out, good for you.
The Art Walk in Wenatchee is always a fun event. I get to meet new, and interesting people. This time I had the most lovely conversation with a fellow poet. I did a few readings, and he recited. At the very end he wrote one for me, and quietly left. Very talented young man. I'd like to share his poem:
I saw your beauty shinning through.
A deep breath in a dream.
All blonde and laughter, youthful truth.
As pretty as I've ever seen.
When falling from the rafters
whispered echo,
"hold on tight"
Forever to declare my love to you,
descending through the skylight.
Written by Michael Reed Schooler
Just a reminder, I would be honored to showcase your poems as well. Use the contact tab to submit.
I'm excited to hear many of you are now journaling in poetic form. It's how I got started, so kudos to you! Again, don't be shy, send me your art, and let's share here for others to read.
New Flash! According to the National Endowment for the Arts, in the past 5 years within the U.S. the amount of poetry readers has doubled to 28 million adults. That's the highest it's been since 2002. Keep on reading!
So you've asked for another lesson in a structured form of poetry. This month we'll learn about the Tanka. It's a form of Japanese poetry that traditionally consisted of a 31 syllable poem written in a single unbroken line. Tanka translates as "short song" and now is better known in its 5/7/5/7/7 syllable count form. This is the configuration in which I typically write a Tanka. So let's get started.
Just like a Haiku, the Tanka is normally written about seasons, love, nature, sadness, and other strong emotions, using the first person point of view. Here is one I wrote, and we'll break it down.
Line One - 5 syllables The cover of clouds
Line Two - 7 syllables Shades the dripping dew on leaves
Line Three - 5 syllables Heaviness surrounds
Line Four - 7 syllables As the days are passing by
Line Five - 7 syllables. With the shadow of the sun
And there ya have it. Obviously this one is about nature, and it gives you a sense of what season it is. Give it a try, and send me your work!
Until next time, be happy, and true to yourself.
