John Fleming Poet Tanka

A Triad of Tanka X: The Brooding Moorland

The brooding moorland

Is windswept and desolate...

And gives nothing back.

In this vast, hushed upper-land...

A very dreadful beauty!
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Inside that wide void...

A resounding emptiness

Which fills the whole sky.

For never greater volume              

With such solitude than here.   
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Strange, shrill calling birds

Above the rippling heather;          

Their ragged shadows

Buoyed up on combing waves 

Pushed out with each surge of wind.
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Karam Misra February 17, 2026 at 11:01 PM You have painted such an evocative emotive and enticing landscape! Loved every line. Thank you for the beautiful poem! John Fleming February 18, 2026 at 9:32 AM Thank you, Karam. You have made my day with your kind and generous comments. :) john

Karam Misra February 17, 2026 at 11:01 PM You have painted such an evocative emotive and enticing landscape! Loved every line. Thank you for the beautiful poem!

Brenda Chiri December 2, 2025 at 10:12 PM Ahh my dear John if only I could hear this read in that voice I came to love!:) you my dear are amazing but still when ya gonna read to me! Haha! You can always go to sound could and hear me! But amazing as always John! Oh kinda off the wall here but let’s go hunting for big foot shall we;) with warmest affection! Brenda Aka Rebeltease;; John Fleming February 14, 2026 at 2:07 PM I will be reading you more poems again one day soon, Poetess. Thats a promise. :) john

Krishika Upadhyay September 15, 2025 at 8:22 PM This is atmospheric and vivid. The moorland comes alive with wind, emptiness, and haunting beauty, capturing both solitude and wildness. Thank you for sharing this with us.

sara Etgen-Baker September 10, 2025 at 5:15 PM your imagery told a story of each place. Outstanding poem! wishing you a splendid evening, Sara John Fleming September 14, 2025 at 4:44 AM Thanks, Sara. Always a pleasure to see you here at my little corner of the Soup. Best regards! :) john

Anne-Lise Andresen September 10, 2025 at 1:08 PM - All three tell their story ... my favorite is the first ... skillfully written as always, John :) - hugs John Fleming September 14, 2025 at 4:42 AM Thank you, Anne-Lise. My very best regards to you! :) john

Victor Buhagiar September 10, 2025 at 12:24 PM A triad of tankas. Even in desolation, your imagery is perfect. John Fleming September 10, 2025 at 12:35 PM Thank you, Victor ...kind words indeed. And very much appreciated! :) john