Frances Schiavina Poet Tanka

The Judge

Turning fortune wheel
picking up creatures at whim
swept up like water
from familiarity
to unscripted novelties

Seeds blown by the wind
odd mix landing where it will
new cycle begins
sprouting in golden riches
or withering poverty

Sickness or beauty
even the power to choose
ends without notice
the judge remains and recalls
choice made to hate or to love.

Secon Place: John Anderson-A Garland String of Tankas-1/12/26
Tenth Place: Brian Strand-All Yours-1/20/21

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Jenish Somadas January 12, 2026 at 10:10 PM Sickness or beauty..even the power to choose..ends without notice.. I liked the last tanga.. philosophical and restrained.. Great win Frances.. Congrats..

Sara Kendrick January 23, 2021 at 12:52 PM Interesting winning work. Congrats. Sara

Funom Makama July 19, 2017 at 2:11 PM You just unzipped the covers of my mind to the unprecedented worship of your adorable lines with a powerful choice of words that can't just be ignored. Showers of your wisdom is well palpated in this page and the only thing I can say is a big WELL DONE! Can't wait to have more of your mental command flowing through my reading mind.