A tanka is a five line poem of Japanese origin. In English, it should be 31 syllables or less. Often the syllabic pattern is 5/7/5/7/7. The middle line should serve as a pivot, making a complete poem (usually a haiku) with the two lines preceding it, as well as making a complete poem with the two lines following it. Often the last two lines are commentary on the first three.

lachrymosely--mournfully

winter moon (in Japanese, fuyu no tsuki) is a kigo, a seasonal word, for winter.

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