Dawn of a New Year #tanka #haibun

19 Replies

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.)

19 thoughts on “Dawn of a New Year #tanka #haibun”

  1. Vashti Q

    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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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      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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  2. Colleen Chesebro

    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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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      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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