always digging deeper–
roots that grow below, restore–
listening through decay beyond stillness,
a place that is neither
dark nor light, yet full, aware,
gathered germinating into witness,
distilled light casting words
that linger as counterpart–
revealing mysteries in all that is
held on the wings of birds,
circulated through the heart,
absorbed into the spiraling axis
It’s poet’s choice of form at Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday, and how could I resist a syllabic form called “kerf”? I meant this also to be for the earthweal challenge this week, earthcraft, but obviously did not finish it in time.
Once again, art from the archives.
K. 
First, I love how you wove that thread in such a gorgeous and precise way, Kerfe. Second, I cannot believe you found a form called ‘Kerf’. That’s crazy… Now I want a form called ‘Davi’! 😀
❤
David
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks David. It is pretty strange. Why not your own form? I’m sure you can come up with one.
LikeLike
and – ta-da!
LikeLiked by 1 person
excellent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kerfe, I really like this form! I think I’ll add it to the list of optional forms. How cool is this? I’m going to create a form called the Collie! LOL! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Colleen. You have created your own form before, so why not another?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what I want our first Word Craft Contest to be all about. Creating new forms.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite a challenge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would be so fun! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found this poem and the accompanying artwork mesmerising ‘like a circle in a spiral…’
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ingrid. I do like circular things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is lovely, and such a Kerfe poem in a kerf form! That’s wild. All the mysteries on birds wings–yes.
Your stitched artwork is perfect with your words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Merril. It was strange to find a form with that name. I’m always surprised by what is in my art archives. It’s a good thing I don’t try to duplicate past work, because I don’t think I could.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think anyone can–it seems to me that something would always be a bit different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kerfe, I’ve read through this a few times. What you are describing is metaphysical alchemy. This is where *your* spirit dwells. I’ve been there but as a tourist.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jade. In that respect, I think we are all aspirational.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure that’s true but your work resonates at a frequency I like to tune into.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is wonderful I am in awe.💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Willow.
LikeLike
A pleasure 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful format Kerfe and wonderful poetry Sally
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this, and great you created a new form!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Marje. Not my creation, but I was happy to use it.
LikeLike
The overstitching adds another dimension to this, maybe like a pool of water. The circles and cycles again, and yes, a kerf poem is too good not to use.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jane. I will be revisiting it I’m sure.
LikeLike
I had a go at one yesterday. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked yours! I will definitely be trying it again.
LikeLike
I think you should, often!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful poem and painting, Kerfe. I love the addition of the stitching. And a poetic form called “kerf” would be irresistible!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Diana. It was!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful words, Kerfe, as another reader said, these words combined with the artwork are mesmerizing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love “revealing mysteries in all that is, held on the wings of birds and circulated through the heart.” Wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sherry.
LikeLike
Fascinating form, Kerfe, I’ll have to give it a try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a keeper I think.
LikeLike
Enjoyed the opening lines as we must always try to dig deeper. I thought of a tree and your photo was representative of the rings of life in that tree that grows deeper in thought. Life is filled with circular motions. Interesting form.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Circles are everywhere I think.
LikeLike
Yes, dig deeper, throw roots, hurl up — and composting is all, allowing dark to become light again. The images are compelling –a spiral order imposed upon World which is. – Brendan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Brendan. Nature has much to teach us.
LikeLike