Tanka by Karen O’Leary

Karen O' Leary
the tornado                                                                
stripped the old oak…
the little boy
tucks a lone acorn
in his pocket
_________

gravel road
overrun with weeds
smokes leaks
from the ashes…
my childhood home
_________

a lone teen                                                                
sits on the vacant shore
tears falling—
inside his dad’s slurred words
toast another round

19 comments :

  1. Dear Sunil,

    What a gift to be published in your wonderful bilingual journal! I appreciate all you and the other editors of Setu do make this beautiful online publication possible.

    Congratulations on your anniversary issue! I wish you continued success.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  2. Congratulations Karen,where can we read the tanka in Hindi?Love and light,angelee

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  3. Congrats Karen. I'm happy you are able to express your creativity through words. You are an excellent poet.

    God Bless,

    Lori

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    1. Hi Sis!

      What a joy to see your heartfelt and warm thoughts today! Creativity is part of my nature as you know quite well.

      Wow! It is such a blessing to read your supportive words.

      Love,
      Karen

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  4. What wonderful imagery in your tanka Karen, my congratulations on your publication. I particularly like the first poem as it brings back memories of my childhood, the final poem is oh so sad I can picture the scene so vividly:-) jan xx

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    1. Dear Jan,

      Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and congratulations. It is a gift to share our words, my friend.

      Wishing you the best always. Happy Writing!

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  5. Dear Angelee,

    I'm trying to figure out how to get to my poem in Hindi since I don't speak the language. If you know Hindi there is a place at the top which allows accesses.

    Thank you for your kind words and interest in this wonderful venue.

    Love,
    Karen

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  6. Thank you for sending me the link, Karen. These are wonderful tanka, saying so much in so few words!! I agree with Jan that the last one is heartbreaking, but in a different way so is the first one.

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    1. Dear Marianne,

      I've written less than 50 tanka so I'm heartened by your kind words.

      What a gift poetry is in our lives. Best wishes with The Song is... and all your writing endeavors.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  7. Enjoyed your collection Karen, thanks for letting me know about this publication and good luck with all of your writing ventures. Best to you.

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    1. Dear Peggy,

      Thank you for your kind words and ongoing support. Your encouragement is a gift in my life. I hope to be sharing more venues for our Whispers writers to in so that we can continue to support on another even though I'm not currently taking submissions.

      May you continue to be a light in the poetry community. Best wishes always!

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  8. I enjoyed all three Tanka, Karen, although I have a soft spot for the first one. Congrats on being published in this bilingual journal. Take care and blessings. // paul

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    1. Dear Paul,

      Thank you for you kind words and congratulations. Hope you consider Setu for your poetry, too. Best wishes always!

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  9. Thank you for sending me the link, Karen. I enjoyed it.
    The last one is heartbreaking as Marianne and Jan mention.
    I'm glad you introduced us to this fine journal

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    1. Dear Mary Jo,

      What a pleasure to receive your kind thoughts on my tanka! I hope to read your poetry here one day soon. Thank you for your support and friendship.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  10. I really enjoyed your poetry. Just have to figure out what a Tanka is exactly, I'm still in a learning proces with the different forms of poetry.
    Congratulations on your publication here dear Karen
    All the best, Inge

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  11. Dear Inge,

    In sharing different styles and forms, we reach beyond the self for shared experience. The more we study...the more we learn... Best wishes to you with your writing.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  12. The first time I have seen your image, Karen. Thank you.
    Tanka superb, so much feeling, especially the second one.
    You are a natural poet. I miss your communications.

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    1. Dear Isha,

      Wow! It always amazes me when I get comment that I haven't gotten to in awhile. It is a wonderful treat to read your thoughts today.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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