Modern TANKA Corner 2018 - 2019
Page 5.
Tanka (five lines with 5-7-5-7-7 or short-long-short-long-long structure), is one of the shortest literary art forms in the world that merges the perception of nature with a moment in human nature or with an event. They make the simplicity of a moment significant and memorable. Tanka have poetic patterns which fuse with descriptive ways of experiencing the wonders of the world and the human condition. Lyrical Passion Poetry E-Zine hopes to capture the essence of the tanka tradition with all respect due to the Japanese art form.
Pays $1.00 per tanka if funds permit. Manuscripts cannot be returned.
Lyrical Passion Poetry E-Zine © 2007-2019

2018

come closer to the young tree

the moon
as an ingrown claw
in the crimson sky –
I lost you among the leaves
of a random autumn
when the sun sinks low
the shadow of the church
steeple
lengthens in my bed –
hold my hand!
by Lavana Kray

Tan renga (Bill Pauly and Julie Warther)
come closer to the young tree
to hear its leaves
sing color to the wind
gently settling in to roost
. . . the stars
mild breeze of September . . .
why have I never
touched your sweet face?
gently placing a tag
on the monarch's wing
morning glory vine
how deep the blue
of your color wheel
winding further and further
into the labyrinth

by Lavana Kray
2019