Here is Colleen Chesebro’s Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge #288. This week is Taste the Rainbow—Color Poetry.
lonely gray morning
lingers heavy in the sky
oppressive whispers
from autumn-colored flames
smoldering dreams fall like snow
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Denise, this tanka is very good. I like the imagery of “smoldering dreams fall like snow.” I can see the ash falling like snow too. Autumn colored flames bring a sense of death to this poem as well. 💜
Thanks, Colleen. I woke up with this one, and yes, those ashes do fall just like snow—a lot of loss in these fires.
I fear for the survival of the west coast… it’s just to hot and dry. Be safe, Denise. ❤️
That brings so many thoughts to mind.
I woke up full of thoughts.
What a frightening picture and a powerful poem!
Thanks, Priscilla, it is scary.
That is powerful, tragic, and beautiful. Fabulous work, Denise.
Thank you, Staci. The weather holds a lot of power over us.
Such powerful imagery, Denise! Fantastic job. Love this 💕🙂
Thank you, Harmony. One of those I woke up with.
Incredible and vivid . . .
Thank you, Mark.
Sadly, we have to acknowledge this color palette more and more each day.
Your poem sums up the weather woes poignantly Denise. Wishing for some rain!
Thanks, Balroop. We got about four drops of it two nights ago. Hope we all get more soon. Xo
Wow, Denise. Between the image and your poem, my heart clenched and I was holding my breath. So powerful and emotional for anyone living with fires.
Thank you, Diana. I feel the same way some days with the those flames stealing people’s peace. Here’s to a rainy fall xo
We certainly need the rain.
What a terrifying image… but you made a lovely poem of it, Denise. Hugs.
Thank you, Teagan. It is a more common fear in these dry times in rhe west. Hugs xo
Wow. That’s so powerful, Denise.Frightening, sad and lovely all at the same time.
Thank you, Mae 🙂 It is a time to be grateful but prepared.
I know fire is such a real threat to your world, and this poem expresses that in a poignant way. Sad, but well-expressed.
They are, Jan. Never had to worry like this until last few years. It is hard and hopeful to watch people losing everything but still survive.
That is very beautiful, and terrifying. It’s all too real where you are, as I am in Oregon (also transplanted from the Bay Area). Today is the two year anniversary of the Almeda Fire here.
I remember that destructive fire. Can’t believe its been two years already. It is a very real danger more so now than ever before. My son lives up.in Oregon too and we love visiting. Hooefully we will all get a nice wet fall. Thanks, Lisa:)
Praying for a cleansing rain, Denise. It’s been almost two months since we received any moisture. It’s so hard on the forest and wildlife.
I hooe we get lots of cleaning rain soon. Some is forecasted for Sunday. Fingers crossed its more than a few drops. And yes, very hard on the animals and forest. I leave water out for them as they pass through. The air they have to breath from the fires though is horrible.
Oh gosh. This one’s a little too close to home. Though, beautifully written:)
scoxoxox
Thanks, Sandra 🙂 Yes it gets too close sometimes.
Wow, this is one of your best, Denise. Powerful writing! I love your poem. ❤️
During Covid while hubby was still working we opted to travel by car than plane…
I saw several forested areas that had been charred. One can only hope new growth will happen.