It’s been a while since I’ve participated in a Tanka Tuesday Challenge. This week, Yvette Calleiro challenges us to write a syllabic poem that focuses on mental wellness. I wrote a tanka thinking about why I needed to take my healing river walk last weekend. Yes, it helped!
It doesn’t matter where the walk is. It can be by the river, the ocean, the woods, the desert, your neighborhood, a rose garden, or a park. Just as long as you find some peace, nature, and a place to heal.
soul-numbing images
leaving behind scars and pain
poison-infused words
overwhelm my well-being
I head to the woods—to heal
It is nice that you have the woods. Loved your poem, Denise.
We are lucky to have had 36 years living in it! Thanks, John 🙂
How lovely! It’s been so bitter cold in mid-Michigan. I look forward to a walk in my neighborhood. That last line is so good, Denise!
Hope it warms up soon for you, Colleen so you can get that walk in! Thank you.
Beautiful tanka, Denise. I feel rejuvenated and closer to God when I get out in nature.
Thank you, Priscilla 🙂 Yes, I feel the same. xo
I feel the same way, Denise.
Nothing like that stroll in nature, Liz xo
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I love this. Huge hugs,
Thanks, Sandra 🙂 Huge hugs back xo
Your poem is lovely, Denise, and so meaningful. It is wonderful to walk in the woods.
Thank you, Timothy. When I heard the term forest bathing a while back it made sense to me.
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Beautiful response! I agree Denise, nature’s healing power is unparalleled.
Thank you, Balroop. Yes, nothing like it for the soul.
This tanka really captured how I feel at the moment with the state of the world. I’m lucky to live in a very small coastal village and nature is a wonderful healing agent. Well done. 😊
Hi Finn, beautiful poem, indeed nature heals. I also love to walk by a nearby river, just refreshing for the soul.
Thanks, Elizabeth 🙂 There is something so special the river offers us.
This is very emotional, Denise.
Emotionals times we are in, Robbie.
Beautiful, Denise. You evoked so much in so few words. Hugs on the wing.
Thank you, Teagan:) That’s what I love about poetry xo
I can relate to heading to the woods to heal, Denise. I’m just a few miles from Lost River Cave, which has some great walking trails, but with the ice the best I can do right now is the treadmill, lol.
It’s no fun to walk in the ice,Teri. I love the name Lost River Cave. It brings all sorts of images to mind and can imagine you enjoying that walks in nice weather. I do the treadmill too, I dont’ walk in the woods as much as I used to when we had our dog.
A lovely poem, Denise. It’s so nice to walk in nature whether it’s a forest or by a lake or in a garden.
Thank you, Jan:) Yes, all a goid choice!
Sending hugs to your healing heart, Denise! I also use my walks to shed the soul-stealing weight. Thanks for participating this week!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you for those healing hugs, much appreciated! Yes, walking does help with that. Xo
We need such a place to heal. I love this one D.L. Please be well. Sending blessings.
We definitely do, Selma 🙂 Thank you and blessings back.
Wonderful, Denise. It’s so easy for poison-infused words to play havoc with the mind. I, too, use nature to heal. XX
Ah, Denise. A beautiful poem and some wonderful advice within. My well-being is overwhelmed. I need to get out into nature. Hugs, my friend.
Thank you, Diana 🙂 Nothing like nature to absorb some of that overwhelm! Hugs right back to you. Xo
I’m goin camping tomorrow – a little breathing room. 😀
Perfect. We have sure had the weather for it here. Enjoy your time. Xo
Nothing like a good walk in a beautiful setting to rest the mind and soul. Love it. 🙂
Yes, works overtime Marsha 🙂 Thanks!
Yay!
Lovely write. 👏 I miss ‘the woods’. Now I have just have jungle, and that is likely to kill you!
Heading to the woods sounds so romantic and calming, D.L. – not a place where one might encounter a bear, coyote or javelina. I love to head to the patio and admire my roses. There soft breezes quell any tension that threatens. Love your poem and the images it conjures up. 🙂 xxx
Thank you, Marsha. There is so much healing offered in nature 🙂 xo
Definitely! I can’t wait for my garden to grow. Nature tamed.