Dishes & the Nature of Love (Five Tanka)
many years ago
I collected chipped dishes
flowers on the rims
though I’ve ended the practice
I still miss broken dishes
*
teapot on table
thank you for forgiving me
cinnamon & orange linger
when bad thoughts overtake me
I must remember to breathe
*
his hands twirl with mud
my potter friend is a pro
perfectly glazed cup
when heartache breaks his window
perfection turns to soft tears
*
dinner plates washed clean
one blissful day with no fights
I stack the cabinet full
a long path leads to peace
with resting spots well worth it
*
green glass flower vase
rests on your grandfather’s desk
white roses blooming
he worked hard, never gave up
I’m sorry I never met him
6 thoughts on "Dishes & the Nature of Love (Five Tanka)"
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you are so free with the tanka. these are beautiful pictures and memories. I want to know if they are “real.” the voice behind the tanka is wistful and compassionate. loved reading these. by the way, thank you for sharing haibun with us the other day.
“when heartache breaks his window/perfection turns to soft tears”
I think they are pretty much real except I made up heartbreak for the potter, although I’m sure he’s had some. Thank you for responding to my poems. It’s a lonely poetry world out there.
These are lovely—so vivid— heartbreak line sings off the page.
I especially like the line “one blissful day with no fights.”
very well done!
I like these so much Linda. Thank you for these images.