Dawn of a New Year
I am walking alone down a dark path. The pale December sun fails to illuminate, casting a cold, golden sheen over the land. I pause and look out over the world. Stark shadows, crisp lines prove that summer is a distant memory. As are you. They say the new year brings new light and new hope. I smile, knowing that although colder days are ahead, the light will increase and warmth will return.
Shadows in pale light
Darkness of the dying year
You, my sun, are gone
A new year brings much more light
Perhaps it brings you as well
**
Written for Colleen’s Poetry challenge. Each week she gives us two keywords, only we must use synonyms only, not the words themselves. This week was a “free week” where we could choose our own words. My two words were “illumination” and “return”. This week I went with a tanka and a haibun.
Happy New Year! (The photo was taken on Saturday in Harwich, MA.)
Beautiful Haibun/Tanka, Trent! My family and I have a tradition of watching the first sunrise of the new year at the beach together. It’s always a beautiful experience. Your Tanka has such lovely imagery and a hint of romance. Well done, my friend. <3 xo
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That is a great tradition. The last several years I have spent New Year’s Eve on Cape Cod, so it would be possible for me – literally dawning of the new year. Thanks! I hope your 2019 is off to a good start!
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It is and so is yours! I just saw that Colleen selected you “Poet of the Week”! That’s awesome. Congratulations! You deserve it. :D
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Thanks, Vashti! I feel honored, particularly since it is the beginning of a new year and her new format.
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Trent, this is one of your best Haibun Tanka’s yet. I love the way you lead with the season and then, sneak in the part about where you are missing “her” as well. A great comparison that makes your poem fit in the romance category! <3
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Thanks, Colleen. Yes, I sometimes like to try to “oblique” love poem, starting one direction and moving the romance in :)
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That was a great surprise and really gave your poem the perfect arc.
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A very lovely poem for the New Year. Happy New Year Trent. :)
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Thanks, Marje! Happy new year.
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I like it very much. Happy New Year! -Rebecca
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Thanks!
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A lovely reflection on the changing of the year, Trent. I’m always heartened by the idea that as winter starts, so does the promise of longer days. Lovely poem.
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Thanks, Diana. As I go through winter I often keep myself going by thinking things like, “Early February, why, there’s about as much light now as early November. In a few more days there will be as much light as at Halloween! It’s not that bad!” Yes, the things I do to get through a New Hampshire winter ;)
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This is lovely, Trent.
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Thanks, Robbie!
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Indeed, Trent! Beautifully rendered!
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Thanks, Frank!
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This is beautiful, Trent <3
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Thanks. Penny. :)
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