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Toconao - Kintaishi

Toconao, Oase im Sand
Wunder in der Atacama
Wo das klare Wasser fließt
Dort am Rande der Düne
Verschlingt schon die Quebrada
Allmählich der heiße Sand
Noch wandere ich langsam
Dort im einsamen Traume
Wo ruhig in den Gärten
Noch leise Wasser plätschert
Im kleinen steinernen Kanal
Mein einziger Begleiter ein Hund



Toconao, oasis in the sand
Miracle in the Atacama
Where the clear water flows
There at the edge of the dune
Swallows already the  Quebrada
Gradually the hot sand
Yet I walk slowly
There in a lonesome dream
Where quietly in the gardens
Still purling gently water
In the small stone canal
My single companion a dog



Toconao, oasis en la arena
Milagro en el Atacama
Donde el  agua claro fluye
Allí al borde de la duna
Cubre ya la Quebrada
Gradualmente la arena caliente
Aún ando despacio
Allá en un señero sueño
Donde tranquilo en los jardines
Aún chapotea silencioso agua
En el pequeño canal de piedra
Mi único compañero un perro


Note:  Tocona is a small Indio village in the Chilean Atacama Desert. This oasis village
is located 24 mi south of the town of San Pedro de Atacama at an altitude of 8,153 ft
above sea level. The most notable building is the church. The bell tower is separated from
the main church structure and dates from 1750. The main source of its 546 inhabitants is
based on agriculture and artisan activities. The word "Toconao" comes from the cunzo
"toco" that means "stone". Toconao is also known for its alleys of the orchards in the
"Quebrada" (= gorge).

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011




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Date: 1/16/2011 9:46:00 AM
Wow! To find a canal in a village so high is almost miraculous. I love the description in your poem as you are walking along the canal with your dog. You provided quite a striking image, my friend. I'm guessing you have been to Toconao. How great it must be to see so many parts of the world. Really enjoyed your tanka, Gert. Love, Carolyn
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Date: 1/16/2011 8:06:00 AM
A spectacular visual Tanka Gert, really beautiful.. Hoop jou naweek is 'n lekker een.. Dankie vir jou kommentaar oor dai pic op facebook ;)
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Date: 1/16/2011 8:02:00 AM
Stupendous imagery Gert and the last line of the dog your only companion is tremendous in photogenic mind... lovely creation this happy Sunday which this "Sweetheart" so enjoyed as always.. with luv..
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Date: 1/16/2011 7:45:00 AM
Very educational work..Enjoyed reading and learning..Enjoyed as always because your work always refreshes my Spirit..Sara
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