Our third installment of the Tanka series, inspired by Hisashi Nakamura. Kerry has shared his gifts with us-in regards to translating Japanese Tanka poems into English. We are to capture a stillness. There is a lot more to this form. You can read more here and here. For me, I think of it as taking a photo. When you take a picture, you try to capture an image, a memory. Sometimes you just want to freeze the moment or evoke a feeling. I think of this form as holding my breath, before I push the button... Do you see a photo in my words?!
I wrote my poems by feeling. I have a major headache and didn't want to play with counting syllables or tidying my thoughts. I liked the direction I went in and what came first into my mind.
White clouds billow
pinned to sky's clothes line
sunlight tickles them
vexed by freeze frame thoughts
I cast my line into day.
© Ellen Wilson
Faded lace tablecloth
arches her wings into blue surrender
sunlight caresses her
their love
threads eyes of day.
© Ellen Wilson
Invisible hands
paint Texas stars onto river
cold blue edges curl
wings of light surrender
as day's bridge appears
© Ellen Wilson
Comments
Sorry about the headache. Weather related?
♥
d
Yes, I can see it cast more light~ ;D
Hi Susie-Thank you so much! You are so kind!
Hi Outlawyer-Yes, the weather is causing havoc~ I hope you feel better! Mine was sinus related~
Thank you
Hi dani-I think sometimes when we are distracted by pain we focus differently. Thank you~ I did try again on my other blog! I love this form, but it is tough~ :D
You are sweet~
Brian-Thank you! I have to sew today. Daughter needs pants shortened-this explains the eye ;D
It took awhile, but I am better-thank you~
Loredana-I too love those old linens and their magic! Thank you~
You made me smile~
Hi Sherry-No, I drove through Texas when it was snowing! Bad-really bad! I think this is the Mississippi-not my pic! I just thought of the yellow rose of Texaco and the stars-let's blame that on my headache-lol! Thank you~
Kerry-Thank you! I tried again to manage form on my other blog~ It is a beautiful form!
Alex-Yes, damn it! I need some Ninjabread men to come by and cheer me up! ;D I hope you are doing well~ Thank you!
Bjorn-I wish I knew who to give credit to?! I too love the painting~ Thank you Bjorn!
Helen-Thank you! I was craving that kind of stillness~ You are kind!
Marian-Yes, why is that?! ;D Thank you!
Gabriella-Thank you! I do think it is a lot like photography trying to snap a Tanka ;D
M-Thank you! I enjoyed yours, too~