What Is A Tanka?

Tanka is a classic form of Japanese poetry related to the haiku.

It has 5 unrhymed lines of 5, 7, 5, 7, and 7 syllables.

Below are some tankas written by me, the teacher.

Morning approaches.

Dew blankets the fresh green grass

with watery webs.

The sun lifts her golden head

and radiates warmth to all.

   

Spider does her dance,

waving her soft silk banners.

This tiny creature,

spinning a web of wonder,

shows forth the glory of God.

In our next post, we will feature some original tankas written by our students.