One Deep Breath "Emotion" Tanka

In a desert parched
I'm not dried out at this time
Sit still and listen
In time I will hear answers
what to seek and where to yield


Tanka are written in a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable structure (or short, long, short, long, long) and include a "pivotal image", cotemplation and emotion. They are also more lyrical and literary than haiku. Like haiku they are simple and often reflect nature. Check out the links below to learn more about tanka - the oldest form of Japanese poetry from which haiku originated.