Inheritance Tanka
When my neighbor died
they put her kitchen things out
on the street. I now
use her sieve, her spatula,
her light blue cereal bowl.
28 thoughts on "Inheritance Tanka"
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When my neighbor died
they put her kitchen things out
on the street. I now
use her sieve, her spatula,
her light blue cereal bowl.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Love it.
This inheritance I do know so well.
A very full poem. Like a box of usefulness.
Thanks Coleman. Indeed those things are useful and I appreciate them. It’s a little weird using them, but that’s better than sending them to the landfill.
It’s a beautiful tanka. It can go in so many directions –so many stories could be told.
Thanks darlin!
tragic tanka
In some ways yes. Thanks Manny.
assigning emotional weight to objects!
i am SO into this.. the secret life/language
of dishes.. soapy wet rags are all it takes to
make them sing 🙂
Exactly, Dustin!
by contrast to the sweetness of your inheritance:
Estate Sale
a cloud of scavengers
descend on our neighbor’s
treasures
😬
Love how this is simple but can spark so much thought. We recently “inherited” a bunch of my husband’s aunts things (she’s still alive but moved to a nursing facility) and it is a little odd sometimes to use that belong(s)(ed) to someone you know.
That last sentence makes no sense, but you know what I mean. haha.
Yes it’s strange but I suspect that is temporary. Thanks Chelsie!
Some legacies aren’t expensive, but treasures nevertheless.
Exactly, Wayne.
A nice way to remember your neighbor. I love having stories of where all my things have come from.
Thanks Victoria!
You honored her with this tanka!
Thanks Linda! Yes, I tried.
honoring things in her memory I have a spoon rest in my kitchen that brings back an old neighbor so human
Yes
A delicious small poem
Thanks Deanna!
Great tanka! I inferred so much about your remembrance of this neighbor–so nice when I can do this with a poem.
Thanks Michele!
Very nice, Kevin. You really are a master of this form!
This is perfectly bittersweet: simultaneously honoring her possessions but acknowledging that she is gone. Thank you for sharing.
Nice piece, Kevin.