Once again for my Tanka challenge, I kept the prompt words of eyes and shelter. Both words have many connotations and can change the meaning of your Tanka poetry in numerous ways. By the way, please link your Tanka to the prompt post found here.
Colleen M. Chesebro is a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of syllabic poetry. A published author, Colleen is also an editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse, also found on wordcraftpoetry.com. Colleen’s mission is to bring the craft of writing syllabic poetry to anyone who thinks they can’t be a poet.
Recently, she created the Double Ennead, a 99-syllable poetry form for the Carrot Ranch literary community at carrotranch.com. Colleen’s poetry has appeared in various anthologies and journals including “Hedgerow-a journal of small poems,” and “Poetry Treasures1 & 2” a collection of poetry from the poet/author guests of Robbie Cheadle on the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series on “Writing to be Read."
Colleen published “Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry,” which illustrates how to write various syllabic poetry forms used in her Tanka Tuesday challenges; and a collection of poetry, flash fiction, and short stories called, “Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration,” dedicated to the Summer Solstice. She contributed a short story called “The Changeling,” in the “Ghostly Rites Anthology 2020,” published by Plaisted Publishing House.
Find Colleen at Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at wordcraftpoetry.com.
We’re Listed in the TOP TEN Poetry Blogs at RankedBlogs.com! Thank You for your support.
Vote for Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at Top Ranked Blogs
Colleen M. Chesebro—Prose Metrist
Crafting Syllabic Poetry is my Ikigari 💜
One day, I stumbled across the Japanese word Ikigari. After some research, I discovered iki means life. In Japanese, Gai means worth or value. When these words combine, they form the definition of ikigari, which is life’s worth. It’s often translated or interpreted as a reason for getting up in the morning. So, yes, writing syllabic poetry is my ikigari.
I also believe writing syllabic poetry strengthens our writing skills. When we create poetry, we gain command of language; cultivate a healthy vocabulary, master literary devices such as metaphor, simile, alliteration, hyperbole, and allegory. We learn to work in imagery. We connect with our ikigari.
When I’m not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find me digging in my garden, or playing with my two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. I live in East Lansing, Michigan with my husband—my soul mate. Most days you can find me writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
Industry Standards Checklist for a Professionally Published Book: ibpa-online.org
Disclaimer: My book review posts contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I earn a small commission to fund my reading habit if you use the links on my book reviews to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied in books that I can review. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. Thank you.
This website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
August Specific Form: Yvette
August Photo Prompt: Reena
August Theme Prompt: Sarah
Very nice tanka Colleen. 🙂
Thank you, Marje. I’m almost ready to upload to Create Space. Woo hoo! ❤️
How exciting! I’m out tonight with friends and will raise a glass in your honour!
Thanks, Marje. Wish I was there to enjoy too. We’ll be busy in January. 😉 <3
Thanks Colleen, it was a lovely evening wish you’d been there too. 🙂
Yeah, we’d still be there! LOL! <3
Yeah… !! 🙂
That was excellent.
Thank you, Richard. I am honored. Your work is always excellent! ❤️
🙂
Oooohhh… mysterious like the swamp!
I am so excited to publish my book. Thanks, Erika. ❤️
I can hear you so very well, Colleen 😃
Awww, I know you can. Same vibrations. <3
Definitely, Colleen 💖
I saw what you did there….. <3
That was one of my favorite images… quite stunning. <3
Now I’m reading Tankas. Who knew. 😀 😛 <3
A wonderful read, Colleen.
LOL! I love it! I’ll convert you yet! 😳❤️
Another well-formed Tanka. You have a real gift. <3
Oh, thank you, Viva. I love these little word stories. ❤️
Such a glorious portrait. 🌹🌹🌹
Thanks, Dorna. Glad you enjoyed. ❤️
This is marvelous, Colleen. I have no flare for any sort of poetry, but I admire the gift in others. Mega hugs.
Oh, thank you. Your comment made me smile! ❤️
Pingback: Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka #Poetry Prompt Challenge #12 – Peace & Spirit – Colleen Chesebro ~ Fairy Whisperer