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Author's Notes: This is a "Tanka" or a Japanese verse form write on the subject of "Despair." I originally wrote this Tanka on February 16, 2015 as part of my first book publication. "Despair," per se, equates to "hopelessness," "loss of hope," and in many circumstances -- "giving up." Be that as it may, I go on to make a very positive statement about the importance of always fighting back, showing no fear, and never giving up. Throughout our world today across many diverse societies there are enough people who are at one time or another living in despair whether it be psychotic or self-inflected. This Tanka is written with these unfortunate people in mind. I believe the take away here is for all us of to be mindful of our fellow man and to see how each of us may be of help to someone thus inflected. (In another companion Tanka I wrote, entitled "Joy," I touch on that subject and attempt to show it as a counterbalance to the negative trauma generated by someone living in "Despair." I try, in effect, to give us all something to think about when we're potentially confronted with "Despair" in our lives or someone else's life. (Gary Bateman - May 8, 2015) (Tanka)
Categories: allegory, change, courage, emotions, feelings, grief, and growth.
Syllable Grouping: 5-7-5-7-7 = 31 Syllables; Total Lines (Verses) = 5; Total Words = 22.
("How Many Syllables Counter" was used for syllable confirmation for both automated and manual syllable counts and cross-check.)