A Triad of Tanka V: Forever Her


That first piercing stare

Which shoved my young innocence

Into confusion.

Suddenly...my little pond

Was tipped into her ocean.
-------------------------------------

On the way to work

I would linger in the streets,

Shopping in windows,

Hoping to catch a shy glimpse

Of breezing cloud wrapped in flame!

-------------------------------------

The long road was wide...

But could not hold the whole World;

Though, at that moment...

It seemed to me that the road

Desperately strove to try.
-------------------------------------
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Buhagiar Avatar
August 28, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Very artistic tankas, John. I am not good at them as I tend to write longer poems.
Fleming Avatar
August 29, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Thank you, Victor - you are most kind! Indeed...I worked hard at them. :) john
George Avatar
August 24, 2025 at 9:39 PM
"Suddenly...my little pond Was tipped into her ocean." This is awesomely beautiful and romantic, the whirling and churning inside, at the first pull of a crush and the developments later. Love it.
Fleming Avatar
August 29, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Thank you, Valsa. I am very pleased you think so highly of the Tankas...I am very proud of these poems. I think they are, for me, some of the best poetry I have ever written. Many thanks! :) john p.s simple, it seems, is always best.
Rodrigues Avatar
August 22, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Funny how “that one” gets your attention. The long, wide road tried to hold the whole world. It is like your heart was all hers.
Fleming Avatar
August 22, 2025 at 3:37 PM
You have just scored a Bullseye, Kim! She encouraged, even pursued me, often enough. But there are some things you can never really posses. W.B Yates sums it up best with those immortal lines: "With a beauty like a tightened bow...A kind that was not natural in an age like this". :) john
Etgen-Baker Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 5:04 PM
outstanding Tankas. Each one offers something unique...great skill you have, Sara
Fleming Avatar
August 22, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Thanks, Sara. It is a tribute to an outstanding beauty...the like of which I have never seen again. :) john p.s nor would I wish too. :)
Dietrich Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 4:16 PM
This is quite good. I especially liked that first one!
Fleming Avatar
August 22, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Thanks, Andrea. These Tankas are all about the same person. She would quite literally stop the traffic when she walked out. A rare beauty that I have never seen equalled. Many thanks! :) john
Rose  Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM
wow you are getting real good at these tankas, you'll need to teach me how to do them so easily
Fleming Avatar
August 22, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Your Tankas that I read the other night were pretty good I thought, Rose. :) I think the Tanka format rather suits my style of writing...but I think I am not quite there yet. Must try harder! :) john
Poet Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Each of the three tankas offers a delightful reflection that sticks with the reader. Three unique perspectives, each painstakingly developed, John
Fleming Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 2:16 PM
As always...your comments are most insightful, S.P. They were indeed, as you remark, "painstakingly developed". You have bestowed a great compliment on me. I kicked these three around for hours - beat and pounded them like original clay! I really do enjoy attempting these Tankas...rewarding...but exhausting too. Many thanks, S.P. Much appreciated by me! :) john
Andresen Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 12:31 PM
- Three with totally different pictures, skillfully written, John :) - hugs
Fleming Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 12:50 PM
I am very pleased that you enjoyed reading them, Anne-Lise. You are always most welcome here. :) john
M  Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Excellent write John....Debx
Fleming Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Thank you, Deb. I enjoy trying to write these Tankas. I will keep on trying until I get it more right. Cheers! :) john
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace