Tanka Writing Roundtable • Fall 2011
Dr. Randy Brooks

Selected Tanka

by
Morgan Ewald

Before this class I had never heard of tanka poetry. For me, writing tanka is an escape.

their fingers touching,
the elderly couple
rekindles their love
soon there will be just one
the doctor says

the wooden stage
held me
while the other me
was under
the spotlight

i hear their
muffled whispers
across the hall
piercing like knives
my emotionless heart

lying in the grass
twirling the stem
of a dead leaf
between my
fingers

the dusty old piano
at dance rehearsal
remembers us
and our kiss,
a beautiful song

Thanksgiving break
I know what I am thankful for
this year
it is
your kisses