(Decided it was time to play with this form again. But didn't think of it until November had well started.)
still wearing
my wedding ring
past his death –
the band thins, but
the gold remains bright
9/11/25
looking out
after sudden rain
what’s to find?
on the dying vine
a single new bloom
10/11/25
I gift you –
brought by our Nana
from India,
passed to Mum, then me –
these bracelets, Cousin
12/11/25
photo line-up:
cousins, teens to babe –
decades on
oldest and youngest
become dear friends
12/11/25
morning porridge
childhood comfort food
thick and salty –
in old age I learn
to add cinnamon
13/11/25
Sharing with Poets and Storytellers United for Friday Writings #203: Why I Love /Hate ... The prompt asked us to write about three things we hate and tear them down, and/or three things we love and celebrate them. It's my own prompt, but I have been busy the last few days marking my 86th birthday. (I always seem to have extended birthdays, courtesy of kind friends who want to take me out and do nice things for me.) So I haven't written specifically to the prompt, but I had already decided to play with tanka this month, and these first few kinda fit. They are certainly about things/people I love. Perhaps it can be inferred that I also hate the attendant loss (of husband, dying vine, the past, my own childhood) ... the ephemeral nature of all things.
Nice so exciting to find new bloom on a dying vine. I love the bangles (NZ name) and oh I hate porridge hehe
ReplyDeleteAh yes, you're quite right; we call these firm hoops bangles too – at least, we did when I was growing up, but I haven't heard the word for a long time now.
DeleteRosemary, I like your format. Diery (sp ??) or modified list poem? I'm with Marja, I don't like porridge and have never ever tasted it.
ReplyDeleteThey were meant as a series of separate tanka – but I just realised I managed to give number 4 an extra line!! I'll have to try and give it a belated edit.
DeleteI love these little rememberings and that we can always learn to add cinnamon - Jae
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jae, glad you enjoyed.
DeleteRosemary!!! These are perfection. Perfection.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely, high oraise! Thank you Helen, I;m glad you found them so.
DeleteI love these tanka. Great
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed them!
DeleteTankalicious work indeed. Thanks for everything (even the porridge). Cinnamon, you say? Maybe.
ReplyDeleteGive it a try!
Deleteloved the snippet of your life soaked in nostalgia through the tanka s.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for your birthday.
Thank you kindly!
DeleteMany happy returns of the day, dear Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteLove all the tankas. The wedding ring, new bloom on the dying vine, Nana's collection from India, photos and even the cinnamon shine brightly. Beautiful.
Thanks, dear Sumana. Glad you enjoyed them.
DeleteI love the single bloom on the dying vine. These were all wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you! (I should have taken a photo. Too late now; it has dropped.)
Delete