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Poet Tanka

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Bite Size no130 Poetry Contest ~ Sponsored by Line Gauthier December 2025

Placed 1st

Shades of Grey

suddenly a flicker
in the aphotic depth
of her ailing eyes ~
another rare moment
when she recalls my face

perspectivetanka

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Chetta Achara

December 18, 2025 at 9:35 AM

Poignant. Congratulations.

Paul Callus

December 19, 2025 at 2:40 PM

Thank you, Chetta. Happy weekend ~ paul

Andrea Dietrich

December 18, 2025 at 8:43 AM

Heart wrenching. A well deserved win, Paul. Congrats

Paul Callus

December 19, 2025 at 2:46 PM

Thank you for the comments and congrats, Andrea. All the best // paul

Susan Ashley

December 14, 2025 at 12:47 PM

Dear Paul, the beauty of the "rare moment" is nestled in a swaddle of melancholy for the loss of what was. Your perspective is so poetically expressed my dear friend. I hope all is well with you and yours. I hope we can both be more active here in the new year. Warmest wishes and hugs to you, my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

Paul Callus

March 14, 2026 at 4:51 AM

Thank you for your insightful and much appreciated feedback dear Susan. Once again I'm guilty of a belated reply....life is too hectic! Hope you are keeping well, my friend. Warm regards & Hugs // paul

Daniel Henry Rodgers

December 11, 2025 at 10:48 AM

Hello Paul, It so much reminds me of my grandmother and my wife's mother who both had severe dementia. Excellent write! Autumn Blessings, Paul, Daniel

Paul Callus

December 12, 2025 at 6:32 AM

Thank you for stopping by, Daniel. I have seen clever and very active people suffer cognitive decline, and it is definitely worrying the older I/we become. ~ Regards // paul

Valsa George

December 10, 2025 at 8:32 AM

I am sure this about someone suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Occasionally chips of memories fleet through their aphotic brain. Great Haiku, dear Paul.

Paul Callus

December 12, 2025 at 6:01 AM

You are right, dear Valsa...and thank you for liking. Best regards // paul

Victor Buhagiar

December 10, 2025 at 5:18 AM

Just had a cataract operation, so now I see clearly. Pity many people don't. Your tanka is cleverly done. Wishing you the best of the holy season. Victor.

Paul Callus

December 10, 2025 at 6:41 AM

So glad that your cataract op was successful, Victor. Thank you for reading and liking. Seasonal greetings to you, too. // paul