Best Tanaka Poems

Today, catching sight of the mallards
crying over Lake Iware:
Must I too vanish into the clouds?
—Prince Otsu translation by Michael R. Burch  

This world—
to what may we compare it?
To autumn fields
lying darkening at dusk
illuminated by lightning flashes.
—Minamoto no ago translation by Michael R. Burch

This world—to...

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'in rice paddies'
that is my name Tanaka
nothing but common...

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11 am everybody was preped
And in the yard pass the two 
Houses waiting and planning for the
Cruel Ball Opposition.
 There was Amadeus 
DJ Damali Rico Nyaf Justin Jordan 
Tanaka Aka Tank Constantino Aka
Tino Ricky and Jafar and Hoki.
Besides Tank there were there
Three more of Nyaf's...

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Date:  June  2051

Damian returned to buoyant activities 
Out to the front when he saw Ras Madan 
Approaching happily straight to
Damian. Damian was thinking 
"Waa well I just wanted the family 
That lived here."  He Thought Ras
Read his thoughts when he said,
"Damian! I...

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ZEN DEATH HAIKU VIII

These are my modern English translations of Japanese Zen Death Haiku. 

Since I was born, 
I must die, 
and so …
—Kisei (1688-1764) , loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem)  by Michael R. Burch

Let us arise and go, 
following the path...

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"Scripted on Tequila"

I used to love you! I cherished you! Thus you embraced me , you raised me, you shared me with the world.
I was a gift just as much you were to us....

Lies , why's , cries.....for her it was dice! Diced pineapples....naked on...

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Go, run, hurry, chase,
Every jack, king queen and ace!
Crazy social race!!
Fate deals cards never the same!
Many playing a losing game!


Dated 21/02/2020
Tanaka poetry contest
Sponsor Jenish Somadas...

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The kid who often was lost in 
The sauce Joshua! His 
 birthday was in June. He became
The strong silent youngster with 
The youngest kids. 
 A small Celebration was held in
Josh's honor party at billards with
Music game play then back home
For cake and ice-cream.

Finally...

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Date:  August 2041

Members of the Damian fraternity 
Were relaxing in the backyard. The
Soon to be 4 year olds conducted 
Themselves in their sandbox.
The older children picniced on
The grass. Amadeus DJ Damali 
And Desharah sat in a circle with
Their twin cousins Myselah and 
Sedanah. They...

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While family Mingled with one 
Another and strangers the party flowed 
Smoothly. Music was enjoyed.
Everybody indulged. With a little 
Champagne some wine and juice.
The bar also served smoothies.
Adults mingled. Delilah Mallory 
Mother Daughtry and Amaliah were
Seated at a table talking and 
Eating in the company...

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Date:   April  2045
 
An excellent April afternoon blooming.
Damali is now 19 years old this
Day. Damali was thinking of his future 
Stretched out at his study desk.
He had been enrolled for a year 
So far, anticipation of 
Graduation was an unstoppable 
Unbearable situation....

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Date:  April 2041

It's been one week now. There
Was no sign of the Black China 
Men. The other Hakim family 
Members decided to take residence 
Closer to the foundational family.
Which was Greatgrand and 
Carter Hakim Sr. Carter 
Hakim Sr. addressed the family 
of Damian's household....

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Date:  April   2051

Second day of April.
There was a light Hawaiian cool 
Breeze early morning.  DJ Amadeus 
Nyaf Rico Tino and Damali met Sidney
CJ  Crysteph Adonis Kyon and Franky 
In Kyon's hotel room. Kyon started.
"So peeps what's this?"  DJ said
"We're...

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Date: April  1,   2051

  air planes departed in flight
 1 hour and 15 minutes
Between them. The trip was 7 hours
And approximately 30 minutes in
Duration. The first plane touched down 
On the runway 10:30 night time. 
With Sidney's wife Saderi, and Manisha,
Salis,...

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Date:  May 2050

Damian stood over their large crib
Gazing lovingly at his five infant sons
Thinking of soon to be one girl, Dasheri!"
She was due for July. Full house now.
The addition was now ready for
Habitation. Dolly quietly entered 
The nursery, watching him and 
Smiling. He sensed...

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