Shell’s Surface #tanka

32 Replies

shell

Such a long journey
Detritus of life picked up
Reflecting others
The years will add their layers
Our now is formed by our past

*

Our now is formed by our past
The years will add their layers
Reflecting others
Detritus of life picked up
Such a long journey

***

This was written for Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge.  This week was poet’s choice.  I chose a tanka.  This week, I decided to put a little extra effort into making it read both forward and backwards.

32 thoughts on “Shell’s Surface #tanka”

  1. Vashti Q

    Hi, Trent! Wow! Bravo to you! I love what you did here. It’s difficult to write a poem that can be read both ways. The photo of the shell is great and pairs perfectly with your poem. I love the lines: ‘The years will add their layers’ and ‘Our now is formed by our past’ and then seeing the barnacles all over the shell. Have a great weekend! :D xo

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Thanks, Vashti! I reread Colleen’s description of a tanka and noticed that she said they should be able to be read backwards, so I worked towards that :) I do love that shell, it is very cool. It was great inspiration when writing the poem, having the words mean one thing when the poem is alone, but hinting another direction when looking at the photo.

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Thanks, Diana. I reread Colleen’s description of the different poem types and noticed that she said a good tanka can be read in reverse, so… I’m glad it worked the way I wanted.

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        1. trentpmcd Post author

          Every so often I reread here “cheatsheet” to see if I missed anything, and sure enough, that’s something I hadn’t noticed before: “Remember, great Tanka poem can be read both forward and backward.” Like you, I like a challenge :)

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Thanks, Colleen. I often use my photos to give inspiration to the poems I do, particularly if there is no theme or photo given. And, yeah, I love the little ecosystem on this shell…

      Liked by 1 person

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