Learning about Tanka poems today. Tanka poems are Japanese poems. They are 31 syllables, 5 lines. The first line has five syllables, the second 7, the third 5, and the last two lines have 7. The first three lines are supposed to evoke an image, and the last two describe an action based on that image.
Since I found out I have to get a biopsy today for a possible cancer scare, I wrote my first Tanka poem about it. Hopefully it will turn out to be nothing, but here are the thoughts in my head:
What If?
There’s a mass they said
Tests and doctors await me
Hospital is cold
I start to wonder what if?
Drawing up plans for battle.
The image I’m trying to evoke is of of course waiting to have tests done in a hospital or doctor’s office. The action would be my “plans for the worst” running around in my head.
The photo above is not of me. I hoped it could look like any woman, waiting.
The photo below is of my very favorite place, Deep Creek, part of the Smoky Mountain National Park and located in Bryson City, NC. That’s where I go in my mind to stay calm and where I go in person when I can.
Hopefully I’ll find out in a few days that this was all nothing, but I wanted to get my thoughts down. My next poem will be about how waiting for medical news sucks.
I’ve just starting writing poetry after many years, so any feedback would be great.
Best wishes for “nothing!” 💕
Thanks so much!
Praying! ❤️
Thank you Louise. 🙂
I hope it will turn out to be nothing serious. Nine out of ten are.
Thank you! The statistics are encouraging.
Praying it’s going to be ok. Liked your poem. It’s good to have a plan.
Thanks Cath
Doc seems optimistic
That looks a more meaningful poem than most haikus and tankas I’ve read. And I can understand it.
Fingers and toes crossed for your results.
Thanks Cathy. It appeared to be just a polyp and I’ve had those before, so I’m not worried anymore.
I am enjoying the poems like Tankas, etc., because it’s like playing with word puzzles.
I really liked your Tanka poem, Bonnie. Thanks to you I actually get it and I’m feeling a lot smarter now. The act of waiting for anything does suck, especially when it’s health-related. I’m looking forward to your next poem, and wishing you a quick and uplifting test result.
Thanks! It appears it’s going to be fine from what the doctor said.
I am just learning different kinds of poetry and I’m finding it fun.
That’s great to hear!
I also learned about tanka relatively recently. I just finished writing a book of tanka. I’m finding it a very effective form for expressing certain emotions and experiences that can’t be expressed any other way. It appears from your last comment that your cancern scare is just a scare? (I hope!) I’ll be interested in reading more of your tanka (and other forms of poetry, if you’re so inspired).
I would love to read some of your Tanka too Liz! It appears the scare was just a scare.
Thank you, Bonnie! I have a few on my blog. If you put tanka in the search box, it will bring up the posts.
All the best
Biopsy came back okay, everyone! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
That is wonderful news. ❤️
whew!! thank goodness!!! yeah!!!!!
It’s a very well constructed tanka. I pray you get good news.🙏🏾
Thank You! I did get good news. Praise from such a talented poet as you is very encouraging! I’m just starting to try poetry again a little bit. I have a lot to learn.
Just keep writing, we are all always learning, when it comes to writing
I am so glad that I arrived much later to read your post, and see the good news. Still, I can only imagine the anxiety you have from the experience. Your site is so inspiring, and I wish you success in all that you wish for. JJ
Thank You! I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog!
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.