earth and its creatures
magic in shadow
byways reflected moonward
starpaths that carry
the edges of endless tides
Colleen gave us the photo, above, as our #Tanka Tuesday inspiration. My collage and gogyohka approach it from a distance.
After I saw how Jude at Tales Told Different reversed the order of his tanka lines to make a new and complementary poem, I decided to try it with my 5 lines. To my surprise, it also works when turned around…an unplanned bonus.
the edges of endless tides
starpaths that carry
byways reflected moonward
magic in shadow
earth and its creatures
K. 
Absolutely beautiful
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Thanks.
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I can’t decide which arrangement I like best. Both are beautiful. Just that word ‘byways’ is so evocative.
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Thanks Jane. Sometimes just one word is all you need.
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It’s amazing how little we need to fill hours with a quiet happiness.
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It’s interesting how the poem turned around is the same and subtly different. I can’t decide which version I like better. I like how you how you approached this challenge “from a distance.” I didn’t know what to do with this photo.
I love your collage–magic and everything soaring to the light.
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Thanks Merril. I did the collage first for this one–it seemed somehow to complement Colleen’s photo. I have certainly done odes to cats, but I thought this photo required something more.
I’m not sure all my 5 line poems would work in reverse, but I was amazed at how well this one did. I agree–I don’t know which version I like better.
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Interesting how it all came together!
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This is so mysterious and Beautiful 🌼. Loved both orders and thank you so much for the mention K. Xoxo🤗🤗
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Thanks Jude. Your work often gives me both new insights and ideas! xo
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🤗🌸
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This is fabulous, Kerfe! The poetry gods say that a true Tanka can be read both forward and backward! I always love your inspiration! ❤
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Thanks Colleen. It was Jude who alerted me to that possibility. I enjoyed his reverse tanka.
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I write most of mine that way as well. Often, like the two of you, I find additional meaning from reading it backwards. That’s magical! ❤
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It is!
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