TANKA

TANKA:  

An ancient Japanese verse form, said historically to have preceded the haiku.  The TANKA follows strict rules for the  construction of lines, syllables and verses.  

There should be 5 lines in each verse and these should be of 5,7,5,7,7 syllables.
No rhymes are required, and there should be a minimum of 3 verses connected in a single story, thought or conceit.

My first attempt at a TANKA . . .

I took a right turn
It led to that promised land
Earthly Nirvana
Where destiny awaits me
Offers rejuvenation.

So love comes to me 
Late in life it grows in me
Promising new hope 
Like the acorn healthy seed
Awaiting its fruition.

What if I pass on
Before I’ve even tasted
These promised pleasures
Will my shattered hopes repair
There in Never-Never Land?

Mortuary Chapel, Lochearnhead … Watercolour  – WHB – 2001