The Tanka
A Syllable is the sound of a vowel
Created when pronouncing a word
Tanka’s require you to count them
At first this seems quite absurd
These non-rhyming poems are written
To challenge and test your skill
At first they seem quite simple
But they’ll certainly test your will
Once your poem has been drafted
Count your syllables again, and again
Remember the ancient formula
Because Tanka’s are unique in this game
Subtract any silent vowels
Like ‘e’ at the end of a word
Then source any hidden diphthongs
That’s when two vowels make one, when heard
Now you realise the difficulty
Of compiling such a simple verse
Writing a Tanka poem
Is more complex than you once thought at first
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