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 in 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.
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.
Once again, you’ve all made it very difficult for me to pick a single poem. I’m so pleased with the turn out for this challenge. Your poems are getting better and better. This week, I’ve chosen two special poems.
First up, is Anita Dawes, from Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie’s blog. I was taken with this double Nonet poem because of its old-world tone. Anita skillfully weaves a tale of disaster that grabs you and holds you until the suspenseful end.
I fight my way back through snow and rain
My home close, I see chimney smoke
Windows lit by lanterns glow
My path lay deep with snow
The lake forgotten
I hear the sound
Ice cracking
Beneath
Cold
Ground
Feet wet
Sinking fast
My heart freezing
Hope disappearing
I am lost to this world
My voice blown back by the wind
No help has come to pull me free
I pray the Lord, my soul he will free…
The second one is written by a young man of twelve years old, Robbie Cheadle’s son, Michael.
Writing poetry is a great way for pre-teens and teens to express their feelings. I bet most of us started writing poetry when we were young. I know I did.
Even though Michael’s poem doesn’t follow any syllabic structure I was thrilled that he wanted to participate in the challenge. I bet he could grasp the mechanics behind a Haiku in no time. 😀
What I really liked about Michael’s poetry is that he wrote in a stream of consciousness manner. He wasn’t afraid to share his hopes and dreams. Well done. ❤ (His Mom’s poem is worth a read too!)
Michael Cheadle
Child of Terence and Robbie Cheadle
Who loves my family
Who dislikes spiders
Who wants to go to Scotland
Who wishes he could
have met Shakespeare
Who is scared of snakes
Who dreams of being an engineer
Who is determined to get a job at 23
Who values family
Who lives in South Africa
© 2018 Michael Cheadle
“Listen, real poetry doesn’t say anything; it just ticks off the possibilities. Opens all doors. You can walk through any one that suits you.”
Jim Morrison
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/jim_morrison_129965?src=t_poetry
Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge Poet’s Choice Ice & Sparkle | Annette Rochelle Aben
Follow Me #nonet | Trent’s World (the Blog)
Red berry, red planet – Jane Dougherty Writes
The Snowflake Mystery – Sharing With Others –
Generations ~ #etheree #PoetryChallenge | Night Owl Poetry – Dorinda Duclos
Covert Essentials: a #TankaTuesday #TankaProse (12/4/18) – Frank J. Tassone
Meteor #Tanka #Poetry – Your Mercies New
Murk: Nonet Poet | Ethan Edgar
Wednesday Words Poetry Challenge: Christmas and Letter (Synonyms Only) – My Corner
Her Warmth – #Tanka – Let Me Tell You the Story of…
A Knowing | thoughts and entanglements
#Poetrychallenge – A reflective poem by Michael Cheadle – Robbie’s inspiration
Colleen’s Poetry Challenge – Poet’s Choice of Words | The Showers of Blessings
Tanka Tuesday – deluge | Twenty Four
Long Meg… | Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo
Colleen’s Weekly #Poetry Challenge… #Nonet | anita dawes and jaye marie
Ben’s weekly poetry, #Haiku | Mucky Boots and Flawless Paws
Tranquility | Stuff and what if…
Step Through Into Fantasy: An Etheree – noblethemes
Silvered Vapor – Charmed Chaos
“The Triskele,” A Shadorma Poem – Colleen Chesebro ~ The Faery Whisperer
All that matters – Playing with words
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up. | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
#Nonet, 30-Day Song Challenge: Day 9 – Culture Shocks
Poet’s Choice of Words | D.G. Kaye Writer
Loving the amount of entries yet again! And your post if the week… Great choice!!!
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I think Anita did fabulously! Hugs, Sis. ❤️❤️❤️
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Congratulations and thanks for sharing!❤️
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So proud of her poems, I want to tell the world…
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I agree. She is really getting good. ❤
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We are speechless, Colleen, something that doesn’t happen often! Thank you so much!
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You’re welcome. I loved Anita’s poem. Well done! ❤️
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It is a brilliant poem, Anita.
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This is Jaye and I think so too…
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
Time for recap of the week’s responses to Colleen Chesebro’s #Tuesday #Poetry challenge.. two special mentions this week for Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie and Michael Cheadle, one half of the dynamic writing duo (with mum Robbie Cheadle) amazing poems from everyone.. Tomorrow a new challenge.. why not give it a try… #recommended
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Thanks for sharing, Sally. ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you, Sally
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Reblogged this on ladyleemanila and commented:
Colleen’s recap 🙂
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Hugs for sharing. ❤️
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I just never got to it this week! But many wonderful responses. 🙂
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No worries. It’s busy times. ❤️
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Congratulations to Anita & Michael! It is such a joy to see a young person embrace poetry!! Thank you for another fabulous week, Colleen!!
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You’re welcome. I was so tickled to see Robbie’s son, Michael writing poetry. I think it is healthy for kids and helps them learn how to express their feelings. It was another great week! ❤
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I agree! Maybe others will encourage their children to share, too!! ❤
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Wouldn’t that be cool? ❤
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I’d love it. Michelle’s (Her Writing Haven) daughters have shared on her blog.
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That’s lovely. Great idea! 😍
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How wonderful, Colleen, that you featured Michael’s poem here. He will be so pleased!
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Well deserved, Robbie. I would eat some of his cookies he’s been baking too! LOL! ❤
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Congrats to Jaye and Anita and Robbie’s son Michael. Beautiful and well done! ❤
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It was tough to pick, but Michael Cheadle deserves some credit for his poem. How cool! ❤️
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❤
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