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Tanka Poems | Tanka Examples

Tanka Poems. Examples of Tankas and a list of new poems in the correct poetic form and technique. Share and read short, long, best, and famous Tanka poetry while accessing rules, format, types, and a comprehensive literary definition of a Tanka.

A tanka is a form of Japanese poem consisting of five lines, the first and third composed of five syllables and the others seven, but there is more to a tanka. What is tanka in poetry (complete definition)?

Premium Member April Rain
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ April’s raindrops fall bringing life back to the earth cleansing nature’s soul reviving the deadened hope succumbing to rebirth’s scope ...Read the rest...
Categories: april, rain,
Form: Tanka



Premium Member Joy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ let whispers ponder the meanings of words unsaid laughter unexplained. a joyful heart knows no fear of shadows hiding from light. ...Read the rest...
Categories: joy,
Form: Tanka
Premium Member Dolphins alongside a Fishing Boat
Old boat, time-worn path, Dolphins glide through emerald waves, Leaping side by side— Their joyous dance in the mist, Paints the sea with morning bliss....Read the rest...
Categories: boat, fish, sea,
Form: Tanka
Premium Member Friends and Enemies
spring sun warms her bones the wait through winter was long alone and lonely now tulip and daffodil come visit for a season time passes quickly when walking with sunny friends on flowered pathways too soon the long cold dark days of...Read the rest...
Categories: seasons,
Form: Tanka
In Good Conscience
I have made mistakes, but have committed no crimes. My conscience is clear. But some former friends now hate; complete misunderstanding. It's unfortunate... How can I just make them see my motives were pure? Accusatory faces, and their cruel words, still haunt me. I do...Read the rest...
Categories: angst, conflict, introspection, loss,
Form: Tanka



Premium Member Before the Charge
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ the sun’s advance troops line the ridge like Indians in an old Western poised on the bright brim of day a moment before the charge...Read the rest...
Categories: sun,
Form: Tanka
Shadows of Hope
In the Valley's depths, Elara walks with purpose, Gathering tears, Each drop a testament to Life's fragile beauty, lost. In the twilight's glow, She cradles sorrow's burden, Whispering soft words, Promises of hope and light, Amidst the darkest of nights. Through the misty veil, She journeys...Read the rest...
Categories: 10th grade, 11th grade,
Form: Tanka
Premium Member Breezy Spring Morning
Rustles through new leaves, Warm breeze dances on my skin, Petals in the air, Nature's breath so soft and light, Spring's gentle sigh stirs the soul....Read the rest...
Categories: spring, wind,
Form: Tanka
Premium Member Shipwrecked
Lost upon the waves, Ship splinters 'neath storm's fury, Sky merges with sea. Island sands embrace my plight— Hope blooms in the heart of night....Read the rest...
Categories: boat, sea,
Form: Tanka
Earth in 2024 - 2
We've known the devils but where are all the angels when we need them most? Working on a miracle? Bring mercy and compassion....Read the rest...
Categories: angel, humanity, violence,
Form: Tanka
Earth in 2024
Violence all round... Haitians, Houthis and Hamas... Moscow massacre... The world we've inherited is hell in a handbasket....Read the rest...
Categories: violence,
Form: Tanka
Premium Member Silent Whispers-Bite Size Poetry Contest
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Silent streams flow by, whispering secrets softly, nature's gentlest touch. In their depths, reflections dance, mirroring life's endless flow. ...Read the rest...
Categories: sky,
Form: Tanka
The Sun as sets
In evening weather What everyone might bother— The old memories, Soon as there sets in the breeze, And mind rambles from tether. ______________________________ Tanka |04.04.2024| evening, memories ...Read the rest...
Categories: eve, memory,
Form: Tanka
Premium Member Darkness Taken for Granted
brighter afternoon after the solar eclipse four eyes put away as couples are high-fiving emphasizing photographs heigh-ho back to screen first to post solar eclipse along with the throngs lucky strike of sunshine gold its older than the black hills the sun soon will...Read the rest...
Categories: today,
Form: Tanka
Premium Member Eclipse
anticipating darkness of solar eclipse four minutes of night shadow will never disguise madness of men on the earth...Read the rest...
Categories: nature,
Form: Tanka

Specific Types of Tanka Poems

Read wonderful tanka poetry on the following sub-topics: art, animals, christmas, death, family, flowers, food, friendship, funny, kids, life, love, music, nature, nursery, parents, sadness, school, spring, sports, summer, war, winter and more.

Definition | What is Tanka in Poetry?


Book: Reflection on the Important Things