Paula Swanson Poet Tanka

Four Tanka's

Bamboo wind chime song
each breath across it's wood pipes
gentle melody
changes the tune and tempo
elevating my new joy

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Beads sewn one by one
slowly follow the vision
an ancient story
told in glass clay and leather
ceremonial tribute

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Ancient as the wind
Weathered like an old fence board
He rocks in his chair
Dispensing wisdom when asked
Stories when you care to sit
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Diamonds in the rough
These aren't the kind you wear
you have been warned
Back off slowly when it's heard
That distinctive rattling

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Carolyn Devonshire September 28, 2010 at 8:42 AM Each of these tankas is precious in its own way, Paula. I especially liked the old man who despenses wisdom from his rocking chair and the one about the diamond-back rattler snake (very clever reference to "Diamonds in the rough"). Excellent work, my friend. Love, Carolyn

Linda-Marie Sweetheart September 27, 2010 at 10:07 PM Luv your four Tankas Paula... if for any contest good luck my friend.. interesting ..never did four Tankas myself..but doing P.D.'s contest I did so many Haiku's I lost count..haha..luv..

Andrea Dietrich September 27, 2010 at 8:58 PM Paula these seem very native american to me. Do you have ancestors that are native american. (probably you have said in the past and I forgot) Are these for any contest? I really enjoyed reading them. LUv, Andrea