The Flames of Love

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Tanka Triptych Three Tankas written for the contest Sponsored by John Anderson


Fuel~

that first knowing look
eyes meet, a warmth grows inside
you lay the kindling
trees beginning that old dance
laying stones to contain it

Heat~

strike sparks of desire
this heat grows into hot flames
keep adding the fuel
the dance that builds what then will
burn hot and settle, steady

Oxygen~

the flames may waver
blow on embers with kisses
they need constant care
flames burn hot with whispered words
tended love won’t extinguish

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Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 8/20/2025 5:00:00 PM

Magnificent! Creative how how you subtitled each Tanka so appropriately yet they do entwine. Nicely done & best wishes with the contest, hugs, Sara

Crystol Woods
Date: 8/20/2025 5:39:00 PM

Oh wow! That's such a great word, Magnificent! Thanks so much for attributing it to this piece! Xoxo

Tom Woody

Date: 8/20/2025 2:46:00 PM

Ooh so good. I like the way it builds. Oxygen keeps the flame a'goin

Crystol Woods
Date: 8/20/2025 5:40:00 PM

Such high praise Tom! Gracious mi amigo! ;) <3 xo

John Fleming

Date: 8/20/2025 1:31:00 PM

Enjoyed all three Tankas. Very nicely constructed, Crystol! I like the way you have laid it all out so each follows on from the other. Good stuff! :) john

Crystol Woods
Date: 8/20/2025 5:41:00 PM

So glad you liked it and felt compelled to review! It means a lot! Xo