I want to hold you,
like ivy on a gate post.
I want to kiss you,
like the dew drops on the pane.
Till each inch of you, feels me.
Author's notes: This poem is in the Japanese Tanka style. This structure follows a syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7. There are two parts, the initial 5-7-5 known as the kami-no-ku or upper phrase, and the second half, 7-7, known as the shimo-no-ku or the lower phrase. Together, the poem is thirty-one syllables long. Originating in the 7th century, this form of poetry was the preferred form of the Japanese Imperial Court. These poems were often written by lovers to one another.
Each word is 4 letters or less for the Short and Sweet challenge.
About the Creator
Kelli Sheckler-Amsden
Telling stories my heart needs to tell <3 life is a journey, not a competition
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Comments (10)
Oh this is masterful, Kelli! Absolutely well-done. I did not know about this form, but I feel I will love exploring its potential. Amazing amazing work. "Like the dew drops on the pane" -- my favorite line. That image is so compelling, so sensual. Wow.
Kelli, I have no word to describe how beautiful your tanka is. One of the best I have read in years!
Beautiful!
This makes me think also of how a house becomes home.
Hey, just letting you know I shared this poem in my latest story: https://vocal.media/poets/poppy-s-preferences-pt2
wow, I absolutely adore this poem. The similes are awesome
Your poem portrayed a very calm and cosy love! Also, this whole time, I thought the upper 5-7-5 of the Tanka was the Haiku 😅
This is elegant and beautiful. I generally don't love very short poems, but I love this one💙Anneliese
Simply beautiful. Love the ivy & the dew drops.
Quite a feat to meet the challenge and incorporate an unusual style, too. We done, Kelli and thanks for the interesting info on the form!