Author Notes

Tanka (means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka transitions from the descriptive top two lines into the reflective bottom three lines, using metaphor, simile, or personification. Modern Tanka rules are not as strict. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus ============================================ Tanka (means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They are free verse without meter or rhyme. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka transitions from the descriptive top two lines into the reflective bottom three lines, using metaphor, simile, or personification. Modern Tanka rules are not as strict. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

romancing love
but I'm so out of touch
every single time
it slips through my fingers
and there's no one left in sight


now it's only me
with a deep sleeping grief
inside my heart
and I know I'm going to love him
for a long long time

 

 

Author Notes

Inspired by a song by Linda Ronstadt- Long Long Time " 'Cause I've done everything I know To try and make you mine And I think I'm gonna love you For a long long time" Tanka (means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They are free verse without meter or rhyme. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka transitions from the descriptive top two lines into the reflective bottom three lines, using metaphor, simile, or personification. Modern Tanka rules are not as strict. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus

Chapter 114
Blue Sea Holly

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

western winds take me
where ocean waves touch my feet

~ coming and going ~

as they please to entice
and bewilder my practical self

 

 

Author Notes

Tanka (means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They are free verse without meter or rhyme. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka transitions from the descriptive top two lines into the reflective bottom three lines, using metaphor, simile, or personification. Modern Tanka rules are not as strict. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus The pictures: Sea Holly, is a species of flowering plant native to central and southeastern Europe and Central Asia.

Chapter 115
Winds of Change

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

 

winds of change

     thrust my torn moribund heart —

tethered to old ways

of two broken and lost souls

feeding childhood's pent up pain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

moribund = near death Tanka (means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They are free verse without meter or rhyme. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka transitions from the descriptive top two lines into the reflective bottom three lines, using metaphor, simile, or personification. Modern Tanka rules are not as strict. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus pictures from pinterest.com

Chapter 116
Don't Go Chasing Dreams

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

 

don't go chasing dreams

    of a father you don't have —

as fate splits your paths

you follow the road alone

and grey clouds cry for you both

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

Tanka (means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They are free verse without meter or rhyme. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka transitions from the descriptive top two lines into the reflective bottom three lines, using metaphor, simile, or personification. Modern Tanka rules are not as strict. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus pictures from pinterest.com

Chapter 117
Waiting for You

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

waiting for you

   by the burbling bubbling brook —

that zigzags

over rocks and branches

covered with contagious laughter

 

 

Author Notes

Modern Tanka (tanka means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They are free verse without meter or rhyme. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka uses metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus pictures from google public domain

Chapter 118
~*~ Murder of Crows ~*~

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

condolence

    to lingering late winter —

my shriveled plants 

and murder of crows say goodbye

to soon-to-be ‘dearly departed’

 

 

 

Author Notes

Looking forward to Spring that starts on Monday, March 20, 2023 A murder of crows is a group of crows Tanka (means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They are free verse without meter or rhyme. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka transitions from the descriptive top two lines into the reflective bottom three lines, using metaphor, simile, or personification. Modern Tanka rules are not as strict. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus pictures from google public domain

Chapter 119
At the Cliff's Edge

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

cruel cold wind assaults

my bare skin and tousled hair

at the cliff’s edge – 

a deep black hole in my chest

you cursed me with when you left 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

Suicide Prevention Crisis Line = 988 A black hole is a region of space where gravity is so strong that nothing escapes. Tanka (means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They are free verse without meter or rhyme. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka transitions from the descriptive top two lines into the reflective bottom three lines, using metaphor, simile, or personification. Modern Tanka rules are not as strict. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus picture from google public domain

Chapter 120
Surrendered

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

surrendered  

to capricious lunar tides  

   as they rise and fall  —

over brilliant golden shores  

tangled in turbulent love 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

Capricious = led by a sudden an unpredictable change Lunar tides = are the mutual attraction between the sea and the moon Tanka (means short poetry) originated 1300 years ago in Japan's Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka after a night together. Tanka evokes vivid imagery and reflection for the reader. They are free verse without meter or rhyme. They follow a 5 lines pattern of 5/7/5/7/7 (31) syllables or LESS because English syllables are different than Japanese syllables. The goal, as with most Japanese poetry, is to write as succinctly as possible. Tanka transitions from the descriptive top two lines into the reflective bottom three lines, using metaphor, simile, or personification. Modern Tanka rules are not as strict. The subject matter can vary, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka is usually written in the first-person narrator's point of view. === click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for your time and kind review. Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus

Chapter 121
Scotty, the Bear

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

Dedicated to my son

discarded Scotty

     once precious, now on your room's floor —

collecting dust

amidst laughter trapped inside

this capsule caught in time

 

Author Notes

My son had a teddy bear called 'Scotty' when he was little. He took it everywhere. Now my son is all grown up with a family of his own. Tanka is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis Picture by_arsenixc, deviantart.com

Chapter 122
Aquamarine Sky

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

aquamarine sky

captured in your soulful eyes

 

where I lost my heart

          sailing through seas of time

          to touch your velvety sienna  skin
 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis picture from deviantart.com

Chapter 123
Your Return

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

the sexy black dress

I bought to celebrate

your return

    hangs in the closet untouched —

dried petals scattered on the floor

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

MODERN TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem is not as structured as the classic tanka. The syllables and number of lines vary but it's a short poem. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. Modern Tanka poets can use any of the following: punctuation, alliteration, metaphor, simile, and personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Modern Tanka originated in the twenty century click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy pinterest.com

Chapter 124
Riding the Sea Breeze

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

If You Would Like To Join the Japanese Poetry Club, please check my author notes

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of sexual content.

Old Spice rides sea breeze

      entwined in musk sandalwood

allures my heart

      and stirs tempestuous lust

yearning for your touch

      my body leaning towards yours

millennium dance

      making love with you at dusk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

Jiyu-shi is a modern Japanese free-style poetic form developed in Japan in the 19th century. The form consists of 5/7 stanza, you may write one or more stanzas = source Thank you very much for reading and reviewing my poem, Gypsy

Chapter 125
Red Poppies Forever

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

red poppies grow
on the old war's battle field
where soldiers spilled their blood

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 126
In Love With Being In Love

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of sexual content.

tantalizing 

memories of your warm breath 

tangled in my hair  

and my tender breasts captive

of your strong gentle hands 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. One of the oldest Japanese forms, tanka originated in the seventh century, and quickly became the preferred verse form not only in the Japanese Imperial Court, where nobles competed in tanka contests but for women and men engaged in courtship. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis painting by Ikenaga Yasunari

Chapter 127
~ Winter Night ~

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

winter night
I cuddle with the sweater
     that still holds your scent —
the rest of your clothes
in Goodwill boxes

 

 

 

Author Notes

(for our fanstory friends in other countries) In America, Goodwill is a nonprofit organization that collects donations and uses the money to benefit destitute people. Sometimes, when people die, their clothes are donated to Goodwill. GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy Word Weaver

Chapter 128
Abandoned

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

If You Would Like To Join the Japanese Poetry Club, please check my author notes

 

 

abandoned,
your boat surrendered to sand
    waiting to earn purpose —
the vacant beach house collects dust
and echoes of living cling to bare walls

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllables count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy

Chapter 129
Empty Room

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

If You Would Like To Join the Japanese Poetry Club, please check my author notes

 

 

in the dark nursery,
unopened boxes
of bassinet and newborn clothes
stand next to dead lilies
and baby's breath

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

Baby's breath is a flower commonly used in flower arrangements. GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllables count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy

Chapter 130
Raging Autumn Gale

By Gypsy Blue Rose

raging autumn gale

blasts the moors outside my home

as the blazing sunset  

sets my longing heart aflame

amidst the ashes of my one-sided love 

 

 

 

Author Notes

GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllables count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy

Chapter 131
When You Come

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

If You Would Like To Join the Japanese Poetry Club, please check my author notes

 

 

 

you come in my dreams

     bearing gifts beyond my needs —

but many women

throw themselves at your feet

perhaps, much better than me

 

still, you smile my way

     and seem satisfied and pleased —

but I make excuses in my mind

of why you should reject my heart

when you come


 

 

 

Author Notes

GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllables count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy Painting by Ikenaga Yasunari

Chapter 132
Your Number One Fan

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

my heart skips a beat 

when I see you on the street

•      surrounded by fans'selfies —

I can tell you love it,

as I watch you from afar

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis Picture: Pedro Pascal Title: phrase from a Stephen King book, "Misery" - "I'm your number one fan"

Chapter 133
Deep Midnight Eyes

By Gypsy Blue Rose

I lose myself  

in your deep midnight eyes  

and sweet nectar lips 

      immersed in your massive sea 

      my passion ablaze 

      in raging winds

 

 

 

Author Notes

KANSHIâ??s FORM IS WRITTEN IN 5 to 7 SYLLABLES AND 4 to 8 LINES. Japanese poets wrote in classical Chinese during the Tang Dynasty in the Heian Era (794-1185), Chinese was the language of courts in Japan. Kanshi was practiced and enjoyed only by aristocrats at the beginning but has remained popular throughout Japanese history, especially among academics and intellectuals. more info from wikipedia -- more info from simplyhaiku.com -- the HaikuFoundation.org Gypsy "learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist". - Picasso picture from google public domain

Chapter 134
~ Burning the Midnight Oil ~

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

burning the midnight oil
writing love poems for you
but you don't know me 
          though we share
          the same street, moon, and sky
                    and we hear the same
                    mournful potoo bird

 

 

Author Notes

-- If someone is burning the midnight oil, they are staying up very late to write. -- Potoo birds carry a mournful song, one of the most haunting in the bird world. KANSHI FORM IS WRITTEN IN 5 to 7 SYLLABLES AND 4 to 8 LINES. Japanese poets wrote in classical Chinese during the Tang Dynasty in the Heian Era (794-1185), Chinese was the language of courts in Japan. Kanshi was practiced and enjoyed only by aristocrats at the beginning but has remained popular throughout Japanese history, especially among academics and intellectuals. more info from wikipedia -- more info from simplyhaiku.com -- the HaikuFoundation.org Gypsy "The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." Atticus

Chapter 135
Riding Jasmine Winds

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

Romantic poem done in good taste

 

 

riding jasmine winds
on golden wings of desire
gliding over you
plumes delicately touching
your soft sienna skin

sunset's shadows
caress the places I kissed
veiled with salty drops
over rapturous hearts
and our well-used bed aflame

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis

Chapter 136
Queen of Spring

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

from the mountaintop
    I see as far as my eyes can reach —
    where the queen of spring 
is covered with marigolds

and crowned with dusk

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from google public domain

Chapter 137
Bittern Birds Pad

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

deep in the reeds
they hide from the crowd
away from lookie loos
basking in the toasty sun
bop on down to their bird pad

 

 

Author Notes

- Bop on down = to go. - Pad = home - The American bittern is a wading bird in the heron family. They can be very hard to see in the marsh vegetation. TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis top picture from google public domain bottom picture by Joel Sartore

Chapter 138
Golden Light Cascades

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

golden light cascades

    between ethereal clouds —

filled with promises

of a fertile land

in each raindrop

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from pinterest.com

Chapter 139
Quill Deep in Crimson Blood

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

it's hard to put down

on paper the way I feel

    'bout our dying love —

with quill deep in crimson blood

and emotions drowned in tears

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis picture from google public domain

Chapter 140
Rhapsody in Blue

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

 

rhapsody in blue

    plays in my empty room —

as music notes thrust

the dark halls of our home

and rage rips my grieving heart

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

Music is powerful, it can conjure up all kinds of emotions. TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis 'Rhapsody in Blue' is an old musical composition by George Gershwin - Painting by Yahya Ciftsuren

Chapter 141
Aquamarine Sea

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

 

aquamarine sea

     washes over my bare skin —

as ambivalent

 

tides come and go capriciously

wind surfs without a board

 

 

Author Notes

capriciously = unpredictable; erratic TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis Picture: artmajeur gallery

Chapter 142
Dawn is Breaking

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

dawn is breaking 

and I’m tangled up in blue —

your dark contour 

fades into the sunrise

and my love for you blooms 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from google public domain

Chapter 143
Tasting the Summer Sun

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

waiting for the cool night,

I lie on fields of gold—

with a dry straw stem

in my salivating mouth 

tasting the summer sun

 

 

 

Author Notes

GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter." - Henry David Thoreau

Chapter 144
Your Hands Explore

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

your hands explore
my sultry body in the dark
    like a blind man —
touches with the lights off
in a room full of stars

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis

Chapter 145
Today

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

Today,

not even the morning glories

     want to rise —

‘cause they need to hide

their messy tendril hair

entwined with dreams of you

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis

Chapter 146
Drifting in the Sea

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

abandoned

   on your discarded things boat —

adrift at sea 

of forgotten forlorn love

drowning in cold waves

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. painting by Ikenaga Yasunari Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis

Chapter 147
Sliding Into Your World

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

my world slides
    into yours at mighty speed —
we helplessly collide
and our joined universe
gives birth to a million stars

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules pictures from Pinterest, bottom picture is a white egret orchid Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis

Chapter 148
Cherry Blossom Kiss

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

cherry blossoms 

surrender to the warm breeze

as she looks up to the sky

and her sweet lips 

taste spring

 

 

Author Notes

GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy pictures from pinterest

Chapter 149
Flying Through the Night

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

I'm flying through the night
    soaring over dreams and desires —
the moon comes along
and I wear a starry sequin gown
ready to land by your sleepy head

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy pictures from pinterest

Chapter 150
Love Poems

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

love poems

     for the beautiful moon —

so full of herself

riding on night clouds

and whispering susurrus

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

Susurrus = a soft murmuring or rustling sound; whisper TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures: from pinterest

Chapter 151
You Are My Universe

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

night sky aglow  

     with glittering stars —

but you’re not around

and my longing for you

grows fiery and fierce

silvery moon casts

    a tranquil ethereal light —

that tempers my need

to hold you, my love,

you are my universe   

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from pinterest.com

Chapter 152
Cobalt Stars Canopy

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

cobalt stars canopy

bear witness

to the lonesome road;

     crow pecks at roadkill —

not a picky eater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

Crows eat bugs, small animals, grains, and roadkill. Crows aren't too picky - they'll eat anything they can catch! GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy picture from pinterest.com

Chapter 153
Waiting Amidst the Reeds

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

 

waiting amidst the reeds

 

knee-deep in mire and morose grief —

where great blue herons shout

with raspy clucks and kuks

as I scream in solidarity
 

 

 

 

Author Notes

GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." - Kahlil Gibran

Chapter 154
Paradise

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

painting a landscape

     of paradise at sunrise —

strong brush strokes

blending and smudging wet paint

my mind still in bed with you

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis

Chapter 155
Midnight Sky

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

foot trail stroll
over plush forest floor
      to the glittering lake,
beneath a midnight sky,
where I take a sip of stars

Author Notes

FOREST FLOOR is the part of a forest ecosystem that mediates between the living, aboveground portion, and the soil, composed of dead wood and shed leaves. TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis

Chapter 156
Undress Me

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

If You Would Like To Join the Japanese Poetry Club, please check my author notes

 

 

undress me

petal by petal till you reach my stem,

bite me like a ripe peach,

     or dig into my tree bark —

Mother Nature is a tease

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." -- Kahlil Gibran

Chapter 157
To Find You

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

 

alone in my boat,

    I follow the sun at high noon —

 

to find you

'cause I need your breath in my sails

and your mast to hold on to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

"May your sails always billow and your boat remain free from the doldrums. May your voyage be triumphant." - anonymous -- Mast = a structure rising above the hull of a boat to hold sails -- To find north the sun's highest point (noon or high noon) is directly south TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis picture from Pinterest.com

Chapter 158
Next to You

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

next to you,
after another sleepless night
of lovemaking—

the lazy hazy rose dawn
takes her time passing by

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from pinterest

Chapter 159
A Sea of Time

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

 

moon's silver light

sneaks through the blinds —

 

to caress

all your mounts, valleys, and peaks,

I traveled a sea of time to see

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from google public domain

Chapter 160
Tangled in Your Embrace

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

tangled in your embrace

     and jasmine-infused breeze —

your strong gentle hands

around my Rubenesque curves

as our hearts skip a beat

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

The Rubenesque figure is related to the painter Rubens's artworks, especially rounded curvy figures in a pleasing or attractive way. TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from pinterest

Chapter 161
Wrapped in Pain

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

wrapped in pain,
waiting for the tide to rush in
and take sand castles
with fragile curtain walls
to

   be

      washed

                  away

                          offshore

 

 

Author Notes

"Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." - Buddhist Proverb A curtain wall is a defensive wall between two fortified towers of a castle GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy

Chapter 162
I Have Loved You

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

 

I've loved you

for a thousand lifetimes

      and I'll love you more —

you're the lilac air I breathe

and sun on my silky skin

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis picture from google public domain

Chapter 163
~ Broken People ~

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

wane into you

   entangled in your dark pain —

that I want to fix

but I'm trapped in my own hell

held down by my past's chains

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis Painting: "Ashus, Forever Forlorn", the story doesn't relate to my poem, I just liked it. Found it on Pinterest.com Her story: Ashus is a mythical goddess. She had been abducted by a pack of demons and treated like a slave. Her unwavering faith in her gods didn't save her. Her alluring beauty had brought this horrific fate and salvation would never come.

Chapter 164
Alluring Beauty

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

tanka in black font in my author notes- for those who can't read bright red

 

 

alluring beauty

 in vermilion and cinnabar

     shades of sunrise —

she's engulfed in radiant flames

I dare not touch
  
 

Author Notes

alluring beauty in vermilion and cinnabar shades of sunrise - she's engulfed in radiant flames I dare not touch Vermilion and Cinnabar are spicy red-orange shades of minerals initially used in the 19th century TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis picture from Pinterest.com

Chapter 165
Star Gazing

By Gypsy Blue Rose

stow me in your soul

murmuring love poems in my ear —
      I want to hear your heart laugh
     while we lie on plush grass
     looking up at amorous stars

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

Amorous = expressing love GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from Pinterest.com

Chapter 166
At The Edge Of Midnight

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

I'll meet you
                      at

                           the

                                 edge

                                         of

                                             midnight

 

where fields are full
of summer and easy living —
you're my wish upon a star

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from Pinterest.com

Chapter 167
Ocean Tides

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

breathing in and out
with wavering ocean tides  —
feeling inconsequential
in the presence of a massive sea
full of eternity

 

Author Notes

GOGYOHKA is a five-line free-style Japanese poetic form with no strict rules on syllable count but as brief as possible. Any theme. Lines are grammatically connected. Alliteration, personification, and metaphor are okay but never rhyme. Japanese poets have written gogyohka since the 1910s. However, they did not name the form until 1983 by poet Enta Kusakabe. === source = writers digest ===source=wikipedia Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy pictures from Pinterest.com

Chapter 168
Tangled in the Storm

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

tangled in the storm,

this tempestuous love of mine

rages against the end —

where your absence stirs my heart

amidst dying embers

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from pinterest.com

Chapter 169
I Surrender

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

I surrender

   to this hazy amber night —

drenched in loneliness 

 craving your searing touch 

and old spice

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis

Chapter 170
Your Sad Blue Eyes

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

 

 

your sad blue eyes

    lost in the distant horizon —

with woeful gaze

stir my soul with a deep need

to heal your broken wing

 

Author Notes

The pain of loss cuts deep. It can immobilize us with its heavy burden, we are like a bird with a broken wing, unable to fly. Ekphrastic is a poem inspired by a picture or painting TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis picture from pinterest.com

Chapter 171
Red Sunset

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

red sunset

over a bleeding sea

where I drown

in your absence … so absolute 

not even echoes left of you

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines. Still, because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from Pinterest.com

Chapter 172
The Moonlight of Your Love

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

there's nothing as beautiful

as your silhouette by the silver moon,

    the stars in your eyes

illuminate our path home

where I'll bask

in the moonlight of your love

 

 

 

 

Chapter 173
~ Tangled up in You ~

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

 

I want to touch your laugh

and breathe in

    your sandalwood scent —

I'll fall into your midnight eyes

tangled up in you

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis pictures from Pinterest.com

Chapter 174
Heated Bodies' Haze

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

heated bodies' haze

      stitched in steaming cool rain —

I flow into you

      in see-through clothes

      revealing our flourishing love

 

 

 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis picture from pinterest

Chapter 175
Ripe Plums

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

your vanilla scent
glides the summer breeze
with a hint of cloves
and your lips taste like ripe plums
I can't resist to gently bite

your golden salty skin
entices me to lick
and squirt zesty lemon juice
on your goosebumps-covered arm
you're my yummy treat





 

Author Notes

TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis picture from pinterest.com

Chapter 176
Amidst Purple Haze

By Gypsy Blue Rose

 

 

where sea and sky meet
our woven kindred souls touch
    amidst purple haze —
we're billowing waves of love
and consumed by passion's fire

 

 

Author Notes

Purple Haze" is a song written by Jimi Hendrix EKPHRASTIC is a poem inspired by a picture TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis Picture from DeviantArt.com

Chapter 177
Blazing Sunset

By Gypsy Blue Rose

Author Note:

For Rules, Please Read My Author Notes

 

 

she waits for her man,
rocking on the porch swing
neath melancholic sky
tangled up in rain scent
as dusk's drops linger



notifiers
deliver dreaded news,
"... with our deepest regret ..."
she waits on the porch swing
for the blazing sunset

 

 

Author Notes

The notifiers are the officers who deliver the death notice. Marines provide guidance, casualty reporting; notification; mortuary affairs; military funeral honors; benefits; entitlements assistance; and all administrative requirements. TANKA is a Japanese unrhymed love poem having about 12 to 31 syllables usually arranged in five lines. The first English-speaking poets imitated the Japanese models of 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic structure in five lines, but because Japanese syllables are shorter than English syllables the poems were too wordy and choppy. The beginning two lines are descriptive and image-focused, and the third line serves as a transition to the bottom two lines which are reflective using metaphor, simile, or personification. The subject matter varies, but most tanka are emotionally stirring or profound, and many are about love. Tanka originated in the seventh century in the Japanese Imperial Court, where women and men engaged in courtship. click here if you want to read modern tanka examples === click here to read Tanka Society of America === click here if you want to read modern tanka rules Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy "Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason." - Novalis

Chapter 178
Heron Siege

By Gypsy Blue Rose

heron siege flights home

in the dying light —

heron left behind

in decaying marsh

knee-deep in sorrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Notes

A siege is a collective noun for herons Cinquain Tanka is a combination of a cinquain poem and a tanka. It's written using 5 lines with 5 syllables on each line. "Cinq" is French for the number 5. Tanka is a Japanese poem with five lines too. I created this new poem form. It never rhymes. You can use any subject. Line one: 5 syllables Line two: 5 syllables Line tree: 5 syllables Line four: 5 syllables Line five: 5 syllables Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my poem. Gypsy pictures from pinterest.com

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