A New Poetry Challenge - "TANKA"

Note: Our friend and colleague "Miriam" shared this with us.

The following is an example of a tanka poem and an analysis of its structure. If you would like to try writing one, please send your submission to us at whitesborowriters@gmail.com. In the subject line, write "TANKA". If we publish your tanka, you'll get a link to view it on the poetry blog. Sounds like fun! -ca

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by Miriam E. Waters (click this link to view as poem:) Slave's Grief

“Tanka” poetry is similar to "Haiku" … but with five lines instead of three, broken into three distinct parts, and follows a different meter [5,7,5,7,7 -- Total 31 syllables] …. a sample:

Pain rends the night air                        [5] 1 -- kami-no-ku (Upper Poem)

Hearts bleed their secret slave's grief [7] 2 -- kami-no-ku (Upper Poem)

Darkened eyes, raped souls                   [5] 3 -- Transition to …

Cleansing tears wash away stains       [7] 4 -- shimo-no-ku (Lower Poem)

The day dawns fresh with promise     [7] 5 -- shimo-no-ku (Lower Poem)

                                                              

                                                                        [31] Total Syllables in Tanka (Short Song)

Part 1 -- kami-no-ku (Upper Poem)  -- Examining an Image

Part 2 -- Transition to …

Part 3 -- shimo-no-ku (Lower Poem) -- Examining a Personal Response

Challenge: Write a "Tanka" Poem