Here is Colleen Chesebro’s Tanka Tuesday Weekly Poetry Challenge #284. This week is Specific Form. Yvette Calleiro chose Gwen Plano’s 4-11 format. It is 4/4/4/4/4/4/4/4/4/4/4 with the first and last lines the same. This one was a challenge!
Darkness descends
Crushing my soul
clouds hide the stars
hope in the past
youth was breezy
love abundant
happiness flowed
moonbeams magic
I take my path
make the journey
Darkness descends
Darkness starts it and ends. I need to learn not to be afraid of dark.
It does. I need to learn the same thing.
This is a somber one, Denise. She sounds regretful of wasted time.
It is, Jacquie. It is easy to be regretful of wasted time or time limited.
I feel the passage of time in this one Denise. Very nice!
Thank you, Priscilla. Definitely a reflection on time.
Somewhat on the dark side, but oh, so well done, Denise!
It is on the darker side, but some things are. Thanks, Jan 🙂
As Jan said, this one is a bit darker, but a good reflection on not to dwell in the past or allow darkness to overcome us.
Thank you, Joan 🙂 Its a moment most are familiar with at some point.
I agree it’s darker, but I really like it, Denise. I admire anyone who can write poetry – it’s certainly lacking in my skillset, lol.
Thank you, Teri 🙂 It’s one of my favorite ways to write. I never expected to go from freeverse to a more rule set form. Never know…lol I believe there’s a type of poet in most writers.
Darkness and light… both inspire us to write poetry and the darker poems are no less beautiful. Well written Denise.
Yes, you are so write, Balroop. I usually have to write through the darkness to get to that light. Thank you 🙂
Absolutely beautiful, Denise! This speaks to me on so many levels 💕🙂
Thank you, Harmony 🙂 I love when poetry can speak on many levels.
Beautifully expressed, Denise. You met the challenge perfectly!
Thank you, Eden 🙂 Hugs xo
Those first two lines! I felt that crushing weight. Fantastic poem, Denise! 🙂
Thank you, Yvette 🙂 I loved the format you picked.
I hope the light returns soon. (K)
Poetry always brings it back.
First, I’ve missed you and your poetry! Second, I hope that the crushing weight has left you. You captured so many emotions in this poem. Huge hugs to you! 💜
Thank you, Colleen 🙂 I want to get more regular with doing the challenges. Poetry always allows a place for that weight to be lifted and new insight. Why I love it so much. Huge hugs back to you xo
Hi Denise, this is a very sad poem. Beautifully written.
Thank you, Robbie 😉 Yes, this was on the more melancholy side.
Darkness conveyed so well. But after dark comes dawn … we hope.
Thank you, Margaret. Yes, I believe it does.
How the time flows but darkness returns at its time!
Transition of life so beautifully summed up!
Thank you. It does come when it is supposed to.
Yikes. Makes me wonder what waits in the dark.
Well done.
Thank you, Sandra. I think its the light we are looking for 🙂 xo
“Darker” than your usual poems, Denise. It feels melancholy to me. I love the form, and what you did with it. A beautiful poem.
Thank you, Diana 🙂 I usually don’t post them here but this is what csme this time.
I like dark poems, Denise. They’re reflection of life too. And they’re often emotionally moving. <3
They are. I work alot of stuff out in Poetry.
<3
Denise, I’ve been feeling pretty crushed myself of late, so that second line of yours really spoke to me and framed the whole poem. This is perfectly executed.
<3
David
I’m sorry to hear that, David. I hope things improve for you soon. I believe in thst second darkness comes that light.
🤗
Beautifully expressed, Denise, and so poignant. This one brought me to my heart. ❤️
Thank you, Gwen 🙂 I love how poetry allows words to touch. Xo
It’s sad if the path leads to darkness. Life seemed so much simpler in our youth. A beautiful and downhearted poem, Denise.❤️🩹
Sometimes we needs that darkness to finally see that light. It sure was much simpler, Vashti and why I refuse to grow up…lol
I can relate to that.
So lovely, Denise. Big hugs.