When Lightning Strikes the Earth, Felix Vigil, mixed medium/collage, photo courtesy of the Blue Rain Gallery, Taos, New Mexico
The One Deep Breath prompt is "emotion" and the challenge is to write a Tanka, a Japanese poem consisting of five lines with syllable distribution of 5-7-5-7-7. Before late last night, I had never heard of Tanka. This is my first attempt, inspired by the shocking events of September 11, 2001 that rocked our world:
No words adequate
to describe the emotions
brought to the surface
on this anniversary
pain and sorrow's legacy
No words adequate
to extend our sympathies
to those suffering
unimaginable loss
zealots' innocent victims
No words adequate
to bear losses inflicted
by faith's perversion
preached by dividers of men
against uniters of men
No words adequate
to explain how one leader
took the world's good will
and squandered it, choosing war
staining our reputation
No words adequate
to stress that we are not him
as Americans
we long for justice and peace
liberty's strong foundation
No words adequate
to express how much we need
to overcome fear
and find common ground for all
one world united in hope
I'd never heard of Tanka--hard to believe that was your first attempt. Beautiful.
Posted by: Marilyn | 25 September 2006 at 01:38
Thank You.
Posted by: janet | 12 September 2006 at 17:23
Beautiful as always, Tara. I'm still brewing a tanka - yesterday kind of wiped me out emotions-wise. I've never heard of tanka before either, so I need to study it some more.
Posted by: Neasa | 12 September 2006 at 16:40
I can only add my kudos to the others and thank Erin for sending me here. Thank YOU for making such good use of your gift.
Posted by: Kate | 12 September 2006 at 16:11
I've yet to write my tanka, this was just so heartfelt and beautiful.
It may not have been the most happy of themes, but the day and the circumstance certainly bring out your emotion.
Happy Belated Birthday! I'm catching up on blogs.
Posted by: bella | 12 September 2006 at 14:10
This longer form really suits your voice, Tara. I share your sentiments and so admire your talents.
Posted by: Laura | 12 September 2006 at 13:17
Very well expressed!! I have found it impossible to write about this topic as everything I attempt results in a ramble covering too many topics even for a book. You have taken this form and introduced a very powerful synopsis of what I have felt from the beginning (along with many others) and what I very much hope is coming to be realized by the "majority" here in the US. Watching the news yesterday though struck a nerve in what I can only describe as the ratings driven news coverage that seems to have become so defining in the past 20 years. Perhaps, I am just jaded but as much as Vietnam and Watergate broke the trust of the American people with their government as a whole I have to wonder if we are not seeing the same loss of trust as a collective with "free" press as well. Time will tell...Regardless of my sidetracks, your poem is concise, incisive, and reflective. Cheers.
Posted by: Mike | 12 September 2006 at 12:14
Amen
Posted by: tinker | 12 September 2006 at 05:16
Emotions that are felt YOUR words always say it.Peace to all.
Posted by: naturegirl | 12 September 2006 at 05:00
You are a very talented poet, Tara. Well done!
Posted by: The Bold Soul | 12 September 2006 at 04:26
Beautiful job T.
Posted by: Mirvat | 12 September 2006 at 04:19
Miss Parfait this is so so beautiful, good job with the play of words
Posted by: cathy | 12 September 2006 at 03:58
when i read your poetry a theme
is present summed up with
"a single life is a universe"
I adore your poetry.
Posted by: Sophie | 12 September 2006 at 03:47
common ground to unite our world as one
is so deeply felt and understood -
and to overcome fear is the challenge.
I have never heard of this either -
i shall have to try one:)
smiles
Posted by: Sophie | 12 September 2006 at 03:46
I'm utterly speechless, that was one of the most beautiful things I've ever read!! You amaze and inspire :)
Posted by: LuluBunny | 12 September 2006 at 02:02
Thank you.........
Posted by: Pam ARIES | 12 September 2006 at 01:54
Your first attempt at Tanka? You found the right words............ beautifully written. What a gift you have.
Posted by: awareness | 12 September 2006 at 00:35
hope is the answer because all we know right now is fear.
Posted by: kristen | 12 September 2006 at 00:17
What a powerful and beautiful (and sad) poem. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to stop and think and remember and be thankful for all we do have...
Posted by: melba | 11 September 2006 at 23:33
No words adequate to tell how much I like your blog
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 11 September 2006 at 23:25
"by faith's perversion
preached by dividers of men
against uniters of men"
well put. my own thoughts exactly.
Posted by: ally bean | 11 September 2006 at 22:23
yes,
'overcome fear
and find common ground for all
one world united in hope'
perfect.
x x x x
Posted by: bb | 11 September 2006 at 21:41
Once again, I find myself at a loss for words...wondering what to post....I wander here for inspiration, and you have said - beautifully, poignantly, in this case in verse, what I can't.
I have to link. I have to.
Posted by: erin | 11 September 2006 at 21:15
All I can say is WOW! I agree!
Posted by: Sandy | 11 September 2006 at 21:03
Beautiful poem, so meaningful.
Posted by: Clare | 11 September 2006 at 20:29
Your words perfectly express my "no words" sadness this day. Thank you. Your abilities are so immense, and your talents bless so many of us.
Posted by: Rebekah | 11 September 2006 at 18:26
For never having had written Tanka you have blown me away yet again. The third one resonated with me today and brought out the buried anger "faith's perversion" is the key. Powerful work my gifted friend!
Posted by: Tammy | 11 September 2006 at 18:22
no words adequate indeed.
Posted by: annieelf | 11 September 2006 at 18:19
Dear Tara - beautiful choice of artwork for this post & your execution of Tanka is wonderful ... how very, very true ... no words adequate. Thank you for this powerful poem. xo, D
Posted by: Deborah | 11 September 2006 at 18:06
Words have failed me today, so I look to youand your Tanka to speak for me.
Peace and blessings for you today, Tara.
Posted by: January | 11 September 2006 at 17:56
no words adequate* you are so right on here it sent shivers up my spine* your words are powerful & touching...even 5 years later, I'm still in such emotional state...I think I always will be. xo
Posted by: berriesplace | 11 September 2006 at 17:10
incredible, well done
Posted by: jennifer | 11 September 2006 at 17:08
Tara,
Exactly!
There are no words\only emotions
you expressed mine
rel
Posted by: yatittle | 11 September 2006 at 16:30
perfect.
Posted by: miss*R | 11 September 2006 at 16:10
No words are adequate but the ones you use express very well the sentiments of this anniversary.
Posted by: Kamsin | 11 September 2006 at 15:54
Gorgeous tanka. You tackled a tough subject and the results are beautiful.
Posted by: Jodi | 11 September 2006 at 15:36
powerful words, tara.
i like the painting too, quite magical.
Posted by: ian russell | 11 September 2006 at 15:29
A strong message thoughtfully written.
Posted by: Craftygreenpoet | 11 September 2006 at 15:10
What a fitting representation of the delicate balance that honors the victims and expresses the concerns of the living...my favorite stanza is the poignant final plea.
Posted by: susan | 11 September 2006 at 14:56
Such strong and true words, Tara, stated so beautifully. Thank you.
Posted by: Becca | 11 September 2006 at 14:43
Lovely.
Posted by: Rosa | 11 September 2006 at 14:11
Thanks Tara, for saying so eloquently what needs to be said.
Posted by: jzr | 11 September 2006 at 14:01
I have a lot of words for today...but they start with a four-letter unmentionable and end with "Bush."
(lovely poem, BTW)
Posted by: twitches | 11 September 2006 at 13:35
no words adequate...c'est vrai...
Posted by: diana | 11 September 2006 at 13:26