How to write a Tanka:
Tanka is the modern name of a form of Japanese verse that dates back over twelve centuries. Older than haiku, tanka differs from haiku in both its form (31 syllables) and its style of expression.
In Japan, tanka has long been considered the most important form of Japanese poetry.
The Tanka is very similar to haiku but Tanka has more syllables and it uses simile, metaphor and personification.
Tankas are written about nature, seasons, love, sadness and other strong emotions. A tanka evokes a single moment with vivid precision and emotional veracity.
There are five lines in a Tanka .
Line 1 no more than 5 syllables
Line 2 no more than 7 syllables
Line 3 no more than 5 syllable
Line 4 no more than 7 syllables
Line 5 no more than 7 syllables
EXAMPLES:
cold cemetery
the long sleeves of your old coat
warm my fingertips
even from beyond this grave
you manage to comfort me
by an'ya
for the third time
this long afternoon
I catch myself
watching the new shadow
of the plant you left me with
by John Barlow