It wasn't just some,
the entire orchard was ripe!
Crisp fuji apples...
they would taste so good... maybe...
But I can't reach those! They're high!
I climb the ladder,
reach for an apple - and fall.
Come on! Grab it now!
Yay! I got it! Mmm... it's good.
Wait... is this the wrong orchard?
Halloween Eve’s Double Tanka
Halloween Eve’s here—
Departed souls cross over
The Veil is open . . .
The living are always scared . . .
Of things they understand not!
Halloween Eve’s here—
A Jack O’Lantern smiles now
His grin’s inviting . . .
Kids find him so exciting . . .
Question: Where’s the candy at?
Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved,
October 9, 2015 (Tanka)
a. Perspective of Malcolm X
in the ghettos
like the reservations
white man builds
a separation of skins
hearts and minds
b. My Perspective
Malcolm Little born
to roll uphill
against all odds
a boy transmogrifies
into variable X
When you say my name
Stars rush down from the heavens
Dressing me in light
I become goddess divine
Fashioned by love in your voice
When you say my name
The world is too small a place
My soul wanders free
Gliding down the Milky Way
The Queen of the blessed night
Eileen Manassian Ghali
Full and luscious lips
Tempting treat to hungry eye
Flashback memories
Hot lips in constant pursuit
Now chastity vow taken
Other lips await
Longing to explore and claim
Willing travelers
Virgin lips in cherry red
Chastity vow forgotten
Eileen Manassian Ghali
Double Tanka
If all was lucid
If god was not a mystery
If life lacked meaning
If life was pure reasoning
If night was empty of dreams
If sky had no birds
If snowflakes held no wonder
If rainbows were grey
If love was a chemical reply
If so, wouldn´t it be hell?
BIRDSONG (double Tanka)
hear the sound of blood
it’s out then in the window
rushing through the veins
from the very heart of those
unseen in their tree top nests
“wake up weary heads
this trip you’ve won has steps
years and miles to go
its gift is heard in our song
the name of the gift is life”
spider in its web
waiting where all waiting sleeps
held in constant check
yes but the weaving is done
those thousands of deeds and thoughts
spider in its web
can you see him? look closely
he appears to sleep
head and eyes fixed straight ahead
but oh it’s an angry world
My humanity
Sees reflection in water
As the ice now thaws
Watch it run like a river
As death casts shadow on me
New life in the spring?
No, this cannot be for me
As I’ve chosen route
Where once was life, now bares death
Now, where’s death, you will find me
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