Discover Tanka Poetry For The CSET

most Japanese short forms, one line of the poem might serve to conclude the first half or begin the second half; or, it could stand on its own apart from the rest of the poem, as a commentary on the whole poem.

Usually, each line consists of one image or idea; unlike English poetry, one does not seek to “wrap” lines in tanka, though in the best tanka the five lines often flow seamlessly into one thought.

The kigo, or nature word, is important to the tanka, but rather than simply observing the image, as in a haiku, the tanka links the image to a personal emotion or a feeling about the topic. Its roots are the Japanese Imperial Court and the intrigue of lovers, so the language is elevated, the tone formal, yet intimate. Violence or images of war are not considered proper, or is humor or satire.

In the West, tanka poets sometimes choose to retain the strict pattern of 31 syllables and the line divisions of specific counts. However, others feel it is more important to preserve the content and simplicity of the intent of the poem rather than adhere to arbitrary syllables, which are not the equivalent of Japanese on.

Tanka Poems With Structure (5-7-5-7-7)
cold cemetery
the long sleeves of your old coat
warm my fingertips
even from beyond this grave
you manage to comfort me

By An’ya

Nagasaki Hill
young navy man in a Jeep
gazing at ruins
my future husband – dead now
of five primary cancers.

By Sydney Bougy