Notes About The Poem

For John Anderson's Tanka Triptych Poetry Contest

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Away from the Wreckage

Holding up traffic
is a terrible pileup
on the interstate -
the opposite side also
is slowed by rubberneckers

Many are injured
while six have been declared dead
as folks wonder why -
cops investigate the scene
while sirens are heard wailing

flung far from her car
lies a woman and cell phone
which has solved the case -
messaged at time of the crash:
“I am dying to get home”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
August 30, 2025 at 10:54 AM
A strong message in your tanka Andrea, very impactfull lines.'
Dietrich Avatar
August 30, 2025 at 11:56 AM
thanks, Joe
Kendrick Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 4:25 AM
Well, I wonder what home she wanting to arrive at earthly or heavenly. Thanks for sharing this one. It reads like a good contender to me. Way to go. Thanks for sharing. Sara K
Etgen-Baker Avatar
August 26, 2025 at 3:44 PM
how tragic! fantastic contest entry!
Singh Avatar
August 24, 2025 at 8:47 PM
A tragedy due to the lack of road sence very well depicted.The last line is meaningful and touching .
Hind Avatar
August 24, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Wow. Pretty tragic, it's really sad. You did this contest justice.
Fleming Avatar
August 24, 2025 at 5:04 PM
And probably pretty close to the truth also. Why, why, why cannot people just put the damn thing out of sight in the glove compartment? Its beyond me...it really is. A collection of Tanka that hits home hard; makes one shiver actually that final line. Certainly makes an impact! No pun intended. :) john
Allison Avatar
August 24, 2025 at 1:59 PM
eeek Andrea, that final line hits home hard , excellent ink! hugs jan xx
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 24, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Hello Andre, i do not think it was the home he wanted to go to. Hugs. /Darlene/
Goldsmith Avatar
August 24, 2025 at 10:58 AM
I enjoyed reading your write. This is so true. Phones and cars do Not go together... Have a wonderful/blessed day writing away..................
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