Paul Callus Poet Tanka

Notes About The Poem

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A Gargoyle Tanka

water spurting
from a gargoyle spout…
I am drawn to
the gurgling of a baby
in his mother’s arms
					
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© 20th January 2020       
[Published in Cattails Spring/April issue 2020 p. 86]

Editor’s choice:
The hinge of the poem by Paul Callus is a homophony - gargoyle and gurgle. The similar sound reveals a distinction between a hideous gargoyle and an innocent baby, but the baby if it cries - spouts water - can also look like a gargoyle. However, this is circumvented by the mother’s care so the poem begins in the ugly but ends in Madonna-like serenity and centres on the implied but absent fountain - of tears or of life and love.
 
Sonam Chhoki

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Angela Crabtree November 15, 2020 at 10:13 AM I really like the way you have brought together a gargoyle with a baby. Very creative! :) Paul Callus November 15, 2020 at 11:02 AM Thank you, once again Angela. I appreciate your visits and support. I've been enjoying your poems, too. Regards // paul

Jack Horne May 7, 2020 at 2:16 PM I really love gargoyles & enjoyed this immensely, my friend Paul Callus May 7, 2020 at 4:41 PM Thank you for reading and liking my friend. Regards // paul

Susan Ashley May 5, 2020 at 9:19 PM Your artistry shines in the pleasing depths of this beautiful piece, Paul. Your consummate talent knows no bounds! I enjoyed the Editor's note and I applaud you for being published. What a joy! :)) Congratulations, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes and hugs always.. ~Susan Paul Callus May 7, 2020 at 5:02 PM Thank you on all counts dear Susan. Your visits and encouraging comments are truly appreciated. Warm regards & Hugs // paul.

Judy Ball May 5, 2020 at 9:14 AM Excellent Paul. Many congrats on a job well done. God Bless, JB Paul Callus May 5, 2020 at 9:40 AM Thank you, Judy. Blessings to you, too. // paul

Andrea Dietrich May 3, 2020 at 2:08 PM I really like this. And wow, big congrats on it being published. Paul Callus May 3, 2020 at 4:21 PM Thank you on both counts, Andrea. Always a pleasure to witness your reaction! Regards // paul

Eve Roper April 29, 2020 at 11:45 PM Like the poem, Paul. Congratulations on it being published.. Hugs eve Paul Callus May 3, 2020 at 4:57 AM Thank you so much, Eve. Hope you are keeping well and safe :) Hugs // paul

Kelly Deschler April 29, 2020 at 5:25 PM An interesting write that was so well done Paul... I like the way in which you view things with an open mind in order to see it's innocence and beauty. This world needs more people like you, my friend! Paul Callus May 3, 2020 at 4:30 PM You are too generous dear Kelly. Thank you for the lovely feedback and continued support. ~ Regards // paul

Anil Deo April 29, 2020 at 4:51 AM Congrats Paul Callus! It is a wonderful poem, background, and your achievement. shalom, shalom Apostle of poetry. Anil Deo Paul Callus May 3, 2020 at 4:19 PM Your complimentary words are most welcome, Anil...thank you! Peace be with you. // paul

Eileen Manassian April 27, 2020 at 11:48 AM Wow! Glad to have read the footnote. This is so deep... and beautiful. I'm so proud of you for getting published. Paul Callus May 3, 2020 at 4:11 PM Thank you my dear friend. At least the time I have been putting in to master these short Japanese forms is starting to bear fruit. Hugs & Goodnight [ps...still have to read your mail]

Timothy Hicks April 27, 2020 at 2:08 AM We tend to think of babies as little angels ... but one mustn't disregard their gargoyle nature, too! A quite unique tanka (and a big congratulations on being published ... that is always exciting!) Paul Callus May 3, 2020 at 2:36 PM Thank you, Timothy; as usual your meaningful honest feedback is truly appreciated. Regards // paul

Connie Marcum Wong April 26, 2020 at 7:56 PM I immediately made the connection you expressed in your note but certainly could never explain it nearly as well as So am. I see why this was published. Kudos Paul! This Tanka is splendid! xxoo Paul Callus May 2, 2020 at 1:46 PM Thank you for your generosity, Connie. Tanka has become one of my fav poetry forms. Hope you are having a lovely weekend. Regards // paul

Jennifer Proxenos April 25, 2020 at 11:44 AM Congratulations my dear friend - so happy and proud of your poem being published. a worthy honor for a worthy and talented poet. Warm regards and hugs, Jennifer. Paul Callus May 3, 2020 at 11:44 AM Thank you, Jenny; you are too kind:) ~Warm regards & hugs // paul

Judy Ball April 24, 2020 at 3:55 PM Well done my friend. Great pic. God Bless, JB Paul Callus May 2, 2020 at 1:41 PM Thank you dear Judy. Regards & Blessings // paul

Vijay Pandit April 24, 2020 at 3:36 PM Congrats Paul--kudos for publication of your poem and the splendid note the editor wrote. Your talent shines. Paul Callus May 2, 2020 at 1:30 PM Thank you, Vijay. Your lovely comments are appreciated. Regards // paul