The tanka (also uta, waka)
composed of 5 lines of 5, 7, 5, 7, 7 syllables is often conceited. Wit and glamour suffuse the lines which are
quite subjective in character.
Tanka
by Christian Ray Licen
dedicated to: my baby angel
On virtual ethers
Radiates the verve of minds
To catch a blind leaping
No thunderbolt dissipates
The cross-point of time slumbering
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Like the river cry
Flows the endless stream of tears
So soon it’ll run dry
And shadow your bawling fears
A horror you’ll long to die.
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Death, come some distance
Nearer – embrace thy nightmare
And entomb a silhouette
Where its contours gleam and wallop
The rays of perpetuity
