Tanka

Ophelia – A Tanka

ophelia2

 

Rich shades of autumn,

Copper-coloured foliage,

Orange and deep gold,

Reflected in storm-swirled skies;

Nature’s wonders never cease.

 

Emma H, age 26, 16/10/2017

 

My photo does not do justice to yesterday’s eerie, apocalyptic weather – it was reminiscent of scenes from Mad Max or Star Wars. An eye-catching celestial phenomenon was created as ex-hurricane Ophelia’s winds dragged desert sands and forest fire particles up into the atmosphere over Britain. Nature never ceases to amaze me.

Advertisements

Haunted – Double Tanka

I am plagued by ghosts.

Phantom memories haunting,

Teasing and taunting;

Eerie unending onslaught

Of past polluting present.

 

Wraithlike reflections,

Ethereal nostalgia,

Draw a spectral smile –

Soon banished by the thought that

Now cannot compare to Then.

Emma H, age 26, 12/10/2017

A double tanka especially for Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge Week 54 – “Ghost” & “Haunt”. To find out how to take part in the challenge, you can follow the link here:

Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Tuesday Challenge No. 54: GHOST & HAUNT

I think my first stanza is better, but didn’t fully convey that the haunting memories were happy ones rather than regrets – hence the addition of the second stanza. I find that happy memories can be horribly bittersweet, especially when going through rough times in life or mental health. Thanks to Colleen for the prompt!

 

Transformation – A Tanka

 

The emerging sun

Transforms our puddle-soaked roads

To molten silver;

Gleaming, dazzling rivers flow

Through the weatherworn city.

 

Emma H, age 26, 18/08/2017

Hi all, I have returned from my overseas adventures! After a week of glorious Spanish sunshine and temperatures in the mid-30s, I was welcomed back to the UK by thick black clouds, an almighty deluge and a bumpy plane landing! In homage to the beautiful British weather, I felt it appropriate for my blogging return to be rain-related. Here’s hoping for some brighter and crisper autumn days to come!

Sing Out – A Tanka

 

Open your mouth wide

And sing loud for all to hear,

Forget fear and pride;

Music is a gift, that’s clear –

Spread your tune to ev’ry ear!

 

Emma H, age 26, 20/09/2017

 

I enjoyed Colleen’s Weekly Poetry prompt “gift” & “song” so much that I actually wrote a second poem – this one a tanka. I know I’m posting it after the deadline, but I still wanted to share!

Colleen’s Weekly #Poetry Challenge No. 51 #Haiku #Tanka #Haibun: GIFT & SONG

My first entry, a haiku, can be found here: Dawn Chorus – A Haiku

Inexperienced – A Tanka

inexperienced3

 

A heart that’s playful,

Body lustful, afire love,

Young passion blooming;

Excitement of something new

Courses hot through burning veins.

 

A heart that’s lifeless,

Body untouched, veins run cold,

Young love extinguished;

The new-felt pain of heartache

Like frostbite stinging the soul.

 

Emma H, age 26, 20/09/2017

 

A double tanka for Kiwinana’s Weekly Tanka Challenge – Week 63 – “cold & “playful”. You can find out more or read other entries here:

Weekly Tanka Prompt Challenge – Week 63 – Playful & Cold

 

Reflections – A Tanka

reflections

 

Deep within your head,

Social values play their game,

Distorting self-view;

When the mirror’s had its fun,

You no longer look like you.

 

Emma H, age 26, 13/09/2017

Written for Kiwinana’s Weekly Tanka Challenge – Week 62 – “Mirror” & “Fun”. If you want to have a go, you can follow the link below:

Weekly Tanka Prompt Challenge – Week 62 – Mirror & Fun

Photo taken (by me) in the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions in Edinburgh.