Welcome to Tanka Tuesday!
Hi! I’m glad to see you here. Are you ready to write some poetry?
HERE’S THE CATCH: You can’t use the prompt words! SYNONYMS ONLY!
I hope you will support the other poets with visits to blogs and by leaving comments. Sharing each other’s work on social media is always nice too.
Please note: We are all students of poetry. I have given you the instructions on how to write the different forms. Try your best to be as exact as you can. There are no tests, and I don’t grade your work. LOL!
The most meaningful change you will learn about is in writing a Haiku vs. a Senryu. Also, remember, pronunciation in various parts of the world will affect your syllable count. Go with your gut on deciding the syllable count. You are the poet and the creator of your work.
The main reason why I sponsor this challenge is to help budding poets learn how to write various forms of poetry. Remember, if you are sending your poetry for publication in literary journals, contests, or self-publishing, you should know the correct forms and use them.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR POETS
Dime Show Review publishes fiction, flash fiction, ten-word stories, poetry, and essays, both online and in print. They are looking for literature that suspends doubt, writing that appears of its own accord and tells secrets we never suspected but always knew.
Dime Show Review is published three times a year in print, and online on a rolling basis. They accept submissions from February 1 through November 1 each year, and they respond to most submissions within two to twelve weeks. Authors who don’t receive a response within three months are welcome to query.
Authors of fiction may submit one complete story, 3,000 words or fewer. Authors of flash fiction may submit one story, 1,000 words or fewer. Dime Show Review also publishes ten-word stories. Authors may submit up to two of these, and they should be complete stories, exactly ten words each. Poets may submit up to two poems in any form, no longer than two pages each. Authors of nonfiction may submit one essay, 3,000 words or fewer. Submitting authors can read selections from Dime Show Review online to get a sense of their style.
~*~
Launched in 2005, Mookychick—an online publisher of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and reviews—has evolved into a community forum for just about everything. Eclectic and inclusive, they aim to connect like minds of all varieties. From fashion to faith and everything beyond, upside-down, and in-between—Mookychick wants to know about it. The best way to get a sense of what they like is to read the magazine online.
Mookychick is published frequently, and since 2005 they’ve showcased over 600 regular contributors. Although they don’t pay authors, they promote poets and writers by publishing author profiles and sharing their work with a broad readership.
Authors of fiction may submit short stories up to 2,000 words in length. Mookychick also likes to publish flash fiction up to 500 words, and 50-word stories that are exactly 50 words (not including the title). Poets are also welcome to submit.
Mookychick publishes a wide variety of nonfiction. They like articles on personal matters of all types, articles on self-care, opinion pieces, and interviews. They also publish reviews of books, comics, games, music, and events. They usually prefer pieces that are at least 350 words in length, but they also publish photo essays with fewer words. They don’t impose a maximum word count because they want authors to write until they’re finished.
All submissions should include a third-person bio, and authors can choose to include a personal link and photo if they want. Mookychick likes to build each author an individual profile page.
They accept submissions from all types of people and aim to promote marginalized voices as often as they can. They prefer pieces on marginalized perspectives to be written by people who embody those perspectives.
Mookychick accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They don’t accept previously published work, even if it only appeared on a personal blog or social media.
If you would like to learn more or submit to Mookychick, please visit their website at mookychick.com.
Image credit: writingquotes.com
For Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge, you can write your poem in one of the forms defined below. Click on the link to learn about each type:
HAIKU IN ENGLISH 5/7/5 syllable structure. A Haiku is written about seasonal changes, nature, and change in general.
TANKA IN ENGLISH 5/7/5/7/7 syllable structure. Your Tanka will consist of five lines written in the first-person point of view. This is important because the poem should be written from the perspective of the poet.
HAIBUN IN ENGLISH Every Haibun must begin with a title. Haibun prose is composed of short, descriptive paragraphs, written in the first-person singular.
The text unfolds in the present moment, as though the experience is occurring now rather than yesterday or some time ago. In keeping with the simplicity of the accompanying haiku or tanka poem, all unnecessary words should be pared down or removed. Nothing must ever be overstated.
The poetry never tries to repeat, quote, or explain the prose. Instead, the poetry reflects some aspect of the prose by introducing a different step in the narrative through a microburst of detail. Thus, the poetry is a sort of juxtaposition – different yet somehow connected.
Cinquain ALSO: Check out the Cinquain variations listed here: Cinquain-Wikipedia These are acceptable methods to use also. Please add what forms you are using so we can learn from you. ❤
Senryu in English 5/7/5 syllable structure. A Senryu is written about love, a personal event, and have IRONY present. Click the link to learn the meaning of irony.
Image credit: Pinterest.com
(Currently, free-verse prose poems are NOT part of this challenge)
Here are some great sites that will help you write your poetry and count syllables.
For Synonyms and Antonyms. When your word has too many syllables, find one that works.
Find out how many syllables each word has. I use this site for all my Haiku and Tanka poems. Click on the “Workshop” tab to create your Haiku or Tanka.
The Rules
I will publish the Tuesday prompt post at 12: 03 A.M. Mountain Standard Time (Denver time). That should give everyone time to see the prompt from around the world.
WRITE YOUR POEM ON YOUR BLOG as a post.
How Long Do You Have and Your Deadline: You have a week to complete the Challenge with a deadline of Monday at 12:00 P.M. (Noon) Denver time, U. S. A. This will give me a chance to add the links from everyone’s poem post from the previous week, on the new prompt I send out on Tuesday. I urge everyone to visit the blogs and comment on everyone’s poem.
The rules are simple.
I will give you two words.Choose synonyms from those words for your poetry. You, the poet, now have more control over the direction of your writing. Follow the rules carefully. Don’t use the prompt words.
LINK YOUR BLOG POST TO MINE WITH A PINGBACK. To do a Pingback: Copy the URL (the HTTPS:// address of my post) for the current week’s Challenge and paste it into your post. You may also place a copy of your URL of your post in the comments of the current week’s Challenge post.
Because of the time difference between where you are, and I am, you might not think your link is there. I manually approve all links. People taking part in the challenge may visit you and comment or “like” your post. I also need at least a Pingback or a link in the comments section to know you took part and to include you in the Weekly Review section of the new prompt on Tuesday.
BE CREATIVE. Use your photos and create “Visual POETRY” if you wish, although it is not necessary. Use whatever program you want to make your images.
As time allows, I will visit your blog, comment, and TWEET your POETRY
If you add these hashtags to your post TITLE (depending on which poetry form you use) your poetry may be viewed more often:
#Haiku, #Tanka, #micropoetry, #poetry, #5lines, #Haibun, #Prose #Senryu, #CinquainPoetry
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR TWITTER ACCOUNT LINKED TO YOUR BLOG – I WILL NO LONGER TWEET YOUR POETRY… THERE IS NO SENSE SINCE YOUR TWEET BECOMES PART OF WORDPRESS.COM AND THERE IS NO ATTRIBUTION BACK TO YOU.
You may copy the badge I have created to go with the Weekly Poetry Challenge Post and place it in your post. It’s not mandatory.
Here’s who joined us last week for our 72nd poetry challenge using synonyms for the words: “Breakthrough & Movement”
Colleen Chesebro Weekly Tanka Tuesday. No. 72 | willowdot21
Tanka Tuesday – Jane Dougherty Writes
Coming Spring – #Tanka | Trent’s World (the Blog)
Backyard Choice – Tanka – PrairieChat
haiku: breakthrough movement | Does writing excuse watching?
Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge Breakthrough & Movement | Annette Rochelle Aben
In the Wind | thoughts and entanglements
neelwrites/breakthrough/poem/haiku/21/02/2018 | neelwritesblog
Drink… | Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo
Beckoning Sign | Stuff and what if…
Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge & Encrusted – The Bag Lady
“My Journey,” A Reverse #Cinquain – colleenchesebro.com
Micro Poetry – Breakthrough & Movement! | radhikasreflection
Haibun: Sita – elysianandcynosure
Raging River – Colleen’s Tanka Challenge – No-Madder Nomadder
Spring Blooms: Tanka | Yesterday and today: Merril’s historical musings
Tanka Challenge No. 72 – Life Inspired Poetry & Quotes
Quantum Grief | like mercury colliding…
The dog poet branches out | Mucky Boots and Flawless Paws
#Tanka: Drifting | Charmed Chaos
Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge No. 72 Breakthrough and Movement | M J Mallon Author
#Poetry Challenge – Breakthrough and movement – Robbie’s inspiration
Weekly #Tanka Tuesday – Challenge #72/Katja Rammer
For this week’s POET OF THE WEEK spot, I wanted to share with you some of the poetry that was submitted about the recent events in the U. S. and the gun control issue. Whether you believe in the politics or not, you can’t dispute the passion these poems evoke.
Poetry has always been written as a way to express thoughts about change. Poetry is also a great way to get emotions to run high with the intention of swaying opinion. Ethos, Pathos, and Logos are modes of persuasion used to convince audiences. (Pathosethoslogos.com) Each of the following poems are excellent examples of this philosophy. If you want people to love your writing learn from Aristotle’s Three Proofs. ❤
Quantum Grief | like mercury colliding…
Quantum Grief
a change is coming
a shift in the universe
a life and death fight
victims on the offensive
a crusade of the hunted
the brave among us
fierce children advance this coup
seen and not silenced
~kat
Alan Alvarez, Independent Florida Alligator
Their Awakened Voice
rising from the dust
another generation
speaks truth to power
from where else will progress come
than those that struggle to change?
Young high-schoolers saw their friends die. They aged beyond the years in heartbeats measured against the scatter of automatic fire. But they now transcend victimhood and embrace their new identity: survivors.
Hear their voice. See how they stand in the house of their state’s leaders. Tremble in awe as they speak, standing in the light of day denied their friends. However you judge their words, understand that they raise their voice. They will not be silenced.
If they are muted, even the stones will cry out. Just as the blood of their fallen already do.
What of the folly
of pouring new wine
into old wineskins?
Witness the pouring out
of hard labor made in vain
Forward
Maybe
From the chaos
From all the death and anger
We can find a better answer
We Need
I used the American form rather than the didactic.
IT’S TANKA TUESDAY! JOIN IN & WRITE SOME POETRY!
Word Craft Poetry 
my contribution: https://joem18b.wordpress.com/2018/02/26/haiku-energy-and-knowledge/
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Thanks, Joe
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https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/infernos-speak/
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Here you are Colleen!
http://butismileanyway.com/2018/02/27/colleens-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-tanka-cinquain-73-energy-knowledge/
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Thank you. ❤
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Hard to believe that in the land of the free, the home of the brave, schoolkids have to protest against being gunned down…and their voices are ignored! How did society lose the moral north?
https://janedougherty.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/tanka-tuesday-haiku/
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I have no idea, Jane. It’s a highly political issue. If one doesn’t “think” like them about guns you are demonized. It makes no sense to me why ‘weapons of war’ are allowed to be purchased. But, then… that’s me. ❤
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It just wouldn’t happen in Europe. One incident and the mass protests would get millions out in the streets demanding a change in the law. It shouldn’t be up to schoolkids to be in charge. Where are all the people who get fired up about other issues? Why isn’t there a nation-wide call for everyone to get out in the streets? Maybe it’s a cultural thing but it’s hard for us to understand why nothing seems to happen, no matter how appalling the body count.
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I’ve asked all the same questions. Conservatives “think” one way while the rest of us believe another way. The NRA has done on a job on people making them think that owning a gun is their “GOD” given right as an American. I have no clue what to say other than our only course of action is to VOTE them OUT of office. America has always had this faction of beliefs running though it. I call it the TRUMP effect… he has allowed people to be this way. That’s all I’ve got. I’m as frustrated as anyone over this issue. ❤
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It’s been going on since way before Trump though. He represents a current of opinion and if more than 50% of the electorate share his opinion on guns and ‘rights’ then you’re sunk. When the Democrats had a majority (I’m assuming they have done at some time or other) they didn’t change the law either. Politicians are a law unto themselves. They take money from lobby groups and have to deliver. Crooks and criminals.
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https://wp.me/p4ayEo-2I0 my short link in case the pingback doesn’t work
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Some beautiful poetry in honor of the students who are leading the charge, Colleen. Thank goodness they are, since adults seem to lack the moral fortitude. I have huge hopes for November, and even though it’s not their job, these teenagers are getting involved and they are the future. I’m glad they’ve discovered the power of their voices. ❤
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Oh, my gosh! Me, too. This madness has to end. Guns are too wrapped up in politics and that is never good. I like that the kids want to make a stand. In the end, they will be left with this mess. ❤
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One of the students said that it doesn’t matter what the politicians say, because they’re old and their going to die. In the end, the students ultimately will get to decide. 🙂
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Thank goodness. I agree with the kids. 4 or 5 terms in the Senate or Congress is too much. They get entrenched in their dogma and refuse to change. Let’s hope their generation can get it right. ❤
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Silly me decided to check my syllable count on a syllable counter page. Somehow it gave we’ve two syllables. Lol! I used the contraction on purpose to make it one syllable. I kept it as is.
Empty chairs preserve
Memory of those we’ve lost
Okay to feel sad
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Yes, “we’ve” would be two syllables (we have). You’ve written a lovely Senryu. Make it a blog post and link to the challenge. It’s fun finding words that are expressive and that still fit the syllable count. 😀
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https://vhosking.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/tanka-tuesday-senryu/
Since it is #NaHaiWriMo and it’s almost over, I added a couple more.
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Hi Colleen. Here is my post for this week: https://trentsworldblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/with-zest-and-intelligence-tanka/
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Here you go Colleen. Thanks for posting the activist posts. I know I am in good company. 🙂
https://katmyrman.com/2018/02/27/altreality-woes/
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You’re welcome. I like the idea that our poetry and writing means something. Write away! ❤
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Reblogged this on thehouseofbailey.
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Thanks for your share of the challenge, Scott. 😀
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It’s very odd that a lot of people for last weeks challenge used the phrase Quantum Leap. There’s a PHD in that I reckon 😉
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LOL! The word can mean a lot of things. It’s a great phrase.
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My pingback went all wrong – as I mistyped it! So in case my update doesn’t work – here’s my link.
https://thehouseofbailey.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/if-only/
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Thanks, Scott. 😀
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My response this week is a bit of a stretch but it makes sense to me 🙂
Thank you for yet another stimulating challenge. https://bloggingcalmandchaos.wordpress.com/2018/02/28/blue-space/
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LOL! You’re welcome, Suzanne. ❤
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Hi Colleen, here is my entry. I used the syllable count website and it helps!
https://theshowerofblessings.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/collens-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-73-energy-knowledge-synonymsonly/
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I agree. It keeps me in line. 😀 Glad to see you back, Miriam. ❤
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Thank you, Colleen! I thought “choices” is 2 syllables but is considered as 1 syllable. I thought another line has 7, but counted as 8. So after using the syllable counter, I made some adjustments. 🙂
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I actually write my poetry using the syllable counter and my trusty thesaurus. I love it! Good for you. Those counters make such a difference. ❤
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It’s a good idea. I copied and pasted one line at a time to do the counting. I should use the syllable counter to write also. Thank you. 🙂
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Here is my entry… https://thekettleclicks.wordpress.com/2018/02/28/tanka-tuesday-73-energy-and-knowledge
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I think my pingback got caught up in my paws. Here’s the dog-poet’s Tanka, for energy and Knowledge.
https://benonthebeinnsblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/dog-on-a-mission-tuesday-is-for-poetry/
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Thanks for sharing all those wonderful reactions to current politics. I’m so proud of the students.
I was inspired by Suzanne’s post for mine this week.(K)
https://methodtwomadness.wordpress.com/2018/02/28/blue-space-2/
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Wonderful salute to the poets you spot-lighted for using their creative voices in the name of change. Here’s mine for this week. https://odaciuk.wordpress.com/2018/02/28/engagement-with-today/
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Thanks, Olga. ❤️
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Thanks, Colleen! Here’s my latest:
http://frankjtassone.com/2018/02/28/arise-again/
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Welcome 😊
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My Short Link https://wp.me/p3ZFSi-1JD
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My latest: elysianandcynosure.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/tanka-tuesday-cinquain/
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https://elysianandcynosure.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/tanka-tuesday-cinquain/
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I can’t delete my useless comment above *sigh*, woe betide. But here is link: https://elysianandcynosure.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/tanka-tuesday-cinquain/
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A Haibun this week based on doing a bit of genealogy. . .
https://merrildsmith.wordpress.com/2018/03/02/letter-to-my-ancestors-haibun/
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Hello Colleen- in case the pingback didn’t work! I hope you are doing well. https://charmedchaos.com/2018/03/03/tanka-wisdom-unfolds/
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