Crafting Poetry One Syllable at a Time
Welcome to the Tanka Tuesday Poetry Recap featuring the work of poets from around the globe. If you would like to participate in this challenge, you can learn the rules on the menu item called Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Guidelines.
PLEASE NOTE: Don’t forget to count your syllables. Use this site: howmanysyllables.com. Click on the workshop tab. Then, copy and paste your poem into the box, and click “count syllables” at the bottom.
For some, this challenge is a way to learn more about writing in English, even though it’s the American version. English is a second language to many of our participants.
I also understand that accent and inflection play a key roll in the way you say certain words and this will change the syllable count. Here is my compromise: Please try to get as close to the syllable count as possible when writing these syllabic forms of poetry.
This challenge is not for free-verse poetry. ❤
Each week, I like to highlight a poet who I call the Poet of the Week, who has shared an exceptional message, or shown an impassioned creativity through words or form. Poetry is all about perception, so don’t be shocked if you don’t feel the same way about a poem that I do. ❤
This week, I’ve chosen Scott Bailey and his poem, “Blind,” to be the Poet of the Week. Scott said he was under the weather this week, but remembered that he had written an Etheree years ago that would be perfect for this challenge.
Let me say, that this Double Etheree is a perfect example of using your prose and poetry to bring awareness to the things in the world that are important to you. It’s a clever way of saying what you think about the world, politics, and life in general. As you can see, the Etheree form is powerful!
We
are blind
to the truth
Everyday
Suffering goes on
And we deny it all
Unable to find a way
Through the maze of our modern lives
To a place where we can be ourselves
And hold out that hand that helps our neighbour
Instead we clench our hand in a tight fist
Holding tight onto what we have gained
Not seeing what we are losing
What slips away from our grasp
Diminishing our souls
Focused on our goals
With such passion
That we are
simply
Blind
Here are a few other poets who expressed their opinions this week. Check them out!
Verdict | like mercury colliding…
No longer Silent|D.G. Kaye Writer
“Goddesses Unite!” A Double Tanka | Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer
Image Credit: Brainyquote.com
Senryu: The Real Dracula | The Dark Netizen
Autumn on Fire #haiku #tanka | Trent’s World (the Blog)
Tanka Tuesday: Sun sleeks – Jane Dougherty Writes
Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge Energy & Value | Annette Rochelle Aben
If a Deer Runs in a Forest – Yesterday and today: Merril’s historical musings
Hawk Dual: a Gunslinger’s Initiation (a #TankaTuesday #TankaProse 10/2/18) – Frank J. Tassone
No longer Silent|D.G. Kaye Writer
“square one” – a double etheree – Word Florilegium
Immortal Soul – Etheree – Let Me Tell You the Story of…
Sirens… | Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo
“Goddesses Unite!” A Double Tanka | Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer
Tanka Tuesday – tempest | Twenty Four
Friday Fun Poetry Challenge: Rain and Moisture | Abbie’s Corner of the World
Poetry Friday ~ Fantasy & Craving | The Writer Next Door|Vashti Q
Verdict | like mercury colliding…
October 2018 Currents | method two madness
Heart of Darkness | Stuff and what if…
Storied Carvings | thoughts and entanglements
Get your frustrations out by howling at the moon and writing some poetry! ❤ See you tomorrow for the new challenge. ❤
Wonderful entries!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Ritu 💜💜💜
LikeLike
Lots of great writes!! So happy I joined in 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me too. I hope to see you this week too. 💜💜💜🎃
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m looking forward to it! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terrific entries Colleen.. looking forward to tomorrow… ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Sally. It’s great fun. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved Blind. Not only was the writing strong, it was visually appealing. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re welcome, Staci. Thanks so much for reading. It’s this all so worthwhile. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful prose indeed! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow. Scott’s poem was riveting. A powerful use of the form. So fun, Colleen. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hello, Diana. I do like this Etheree form. So glad to see you. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! Thank you so much! I have been so busy I have only just found out about this. I am so honoured!
LikeLiked by 2 people
“Blind,” was a fabulous Etheree poem. So powerful. Keep up the good work. ❤
LikeLike
‘Blind’ was a great choice, Colleen! I loved Scott’s double Etheree. 😀 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great passion behind his words. I like that intensity. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person