Crystol Woods Poet Tanka

Notes About The Poem

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

The Flames of Love

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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Andrea Dietrich September 1, 2025 at 8:23 AM This is a great set. I like how you give little titles to each. I am always sitting on my bed as hubbie sleeps. Otherwise I would play one of your songs!! He really sleeps a lot and I don't even own ear buds! Crystol Woods September 1, 2025 at 10:22 AM Lol...I have a she shed thank God! Lol

Sam Kauffman August 22, 2025 at 2:38 PM So well crafted, Crystol. Indeed love needs the loving hand of oxygen to continue to grow and exist. Love your imagery of a fire with kindling, embers, flames, fuel. It is done with such a light yet impactful touch like the romance it is extolling! Best wishes for the contest. Blessings!

sara Etgen-Baker August 20, 2025 at 5:00 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 August 20, 2025 at 5:39 PM Oh wow! That's such a great word, Magnificent! Thanks so much for attributing it to this piece! Xoxo

John Fleming August 20, 2025 at 1:31 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 August 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM So glad you liked it and felt compelled to review! It means a lot! Xo