TANKA

A Japanese form of poetry that has five lines and

a specific syllable pattern (5*7*5*7*7) that relies heavily on imagery

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Here are some examples! 

See if you can use your poetic knowledge to analyze each tanka. 

Think:  What is it about?  What poetic elements are present?

                                                      NOTES:

Moon madness makes me
Dance in delight under stars
I lift up my hands
And feel my arms grow longer
As they wrap around the moon
—Margaret Cheaseboro

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                                                                        NOTES:

The blue heron cries
White capped waves search for the shore
We walk hand in hand
Finding gentle harmony
Shaping a life together
—David Glass