Well, I’m dipping in the waters here in previously uncharted territory. I’m contributing to my Sister of the Fey, Colleen Chesebro’s weekly Tuesday Tanka (on Thursday) Challenge. Below my contribution, you will find the rules for this challenge and how you too can join in the fun using any one of the offered forms of poetry.
Today I’ve chosen to write a Tanka. This type of poetry is written in 5 lines, each with a designated number of syllables. For Tanka the form is 5, 7, 5, 7, 7. The words given for this challenge are ‘Morose’ and ‘Happy’. We are not to use those words, but use synonyms.
Searching for world peace
Joyous dreams of yesteryear
When life was simpler
Sullen thoughts will disappear
When all is right with the world
Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 95, “Happy & Morose,” #SynonymsOnly
WELCOME TO TANKA TUESDAY!
Hi! I’m glad to see you here. Are you ready to write some poetry?
HERE’S THE CATCH: You can’t use the prompt words! SYNONYMS ONLY!
For Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge, you can write your poem in one of the forms defined below. Click on the links to learn about each form:
HAIKU IN ENGLISH 5/7/5 syllable structure. A Haiku is written about seasonal changes, nature, and change in general.
TANKA IN ENGLISH 5/7/5/7/7 syllable structure. Your Tanka will consist of five lines written in the first-person point of view. This is important because the poem should be written from the perspective of the poet.
HAIBUN IN ENGLISH Every Haibun must begin with a title. Haibun prose is composed of short, descriptive paragraphs, written in the first-person singular.
The text unfolds in the present moment, as though the experience is occurring now rather than yesterday or some time ago. In keeping with the simplicity of the accompanying haiku or tanka poem, all unnecessary words should be pared down or removed. Nothing must ever be overstated.
The poetry never tries to repeat, quote, or explain the prose. Instead, the poetry reflects some aspect of the prose by introducing a different step in the narrative through a microburst of detail. Thus, the poetry is a sort of juxtaposition – different yet somehow connected.
Cinquain ALSO: Check out the Cinquain variations listed here: Cinquain-WikipediaThese are acceptable methods to use. Please list the form you use so we can learn from you.
Senryu in English 5/7/5 syllable structure. A Senryu is written about love, a personal event, and have IRONY present. Click the link to learn the meaning of irony.
DGKayewriter.com 
Nice one, Debby.
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Thanks so much Sue. I thought I’d take the plunge and try one. I’ve sure had a lot of schooling on haikus after reading many of yours and Colleen’s, so thanks. 🙂 ❤
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Great effort here; you stayed in the guidelines. I strikes me that the tanka form is an extended haiku, a strict structure coupled with creative license. Brava, Debby!
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Thanks so much Marian. Yes, I believe it is an extended haiku with the last 2 lines added with 7 and 7 . 🙂
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Fantastic Debby…great Tanka and subject… hugs xxx♥
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Thanks Sal. This was fun. I thought I’d give it a stab and worked on the first thing that popped into my head. 🙂 ❤
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That’s wonderful, Debby! I’m so glad you took the challenge and this tanka is so You! It’s really fun isn’t it? I hope you do more of them. 🙂
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Thanks so much Diana. You know me, lol! 🙂 I wasn’t supposed to have 2 posts out today but WP glitched on me, so thanks for reading. ❤
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I`m very impressed, Debby. Not my kind of thing but I always enjoy reading everybody’s contributions. 🙂
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Thanks Olga. It’s not my usual thing either. I thought it would be fun to try. 🙂 x
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Yea, Sis!!! You did it! You chose an excellent theme and as usual, you have great rhythm! Your third line is called the pivot and you captured that beautifully! You’re a natural. LOVE it! ❤
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Lol, you’re too much Colleen. But thanks for the nudge and the praise! ❤ xx
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Thanks so much for sharing Sal ❤
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Maybe some other time. Just a little complicated at the moment for me, LOL.
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No worries John.:)
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Dreaming of a simpler time… Perhaps your tanka reflects what many people are feeling in today’s complex world, Debby. I think this is the first time I’ve read a poem by you! Happy Friday xo
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Aw thanks Christy. I’m glad you got the message from my Tanka. And no, I haven’t written poetry in awhile, but I have written quite a few pieces. 🙂 xx Happy weekend! ❤
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Welcome to the world of challenges and poetry Deb. You have done a wonderful job! 🙂
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Thanks so much Balroop. Coming from you – the poetry queen, that’s a huge compliment, 🙂
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I agree, Debby, you’re natural. It feels like you’re gliding across the dancing floor with a graceful move. I love it. 🙂
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Yay! I’m so happy you joined Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday, Debby! You are a natural, my friend. That’s a lovely, meaningful and perfect Tanka! Congrats! 😀 xx
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Wow! Thanks for the kudos Vashti. I’ve had a lot of experience reading yours and many others. Will I get hooked? I don’t know, but I’m definitely gearing up for this week’s challenge. Thanks again for the encouragement. ❤ xx
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wow, well done, this is really good sis. ❤
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Thanks so much Adele. ❤ It was fun to do too. ❤
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