Tanka and HaikuThe Power of Subtlety and

Simplicity

TankaStructure – 5 lines/31 syllables

3 lines – 7 syllables each2 lines – 5 syllables each

condensed language, strong imagery

“What the poet does not say is as important as what he or she does

say.”

Tanka“A Flower of Waves”

Imagery – the movement of the wavesMetaphor – comparison of waves/flowers

“The Sight of Flowers” Personal emotion – personal reaction to nature; personal nature of private feelings

Tanka“Though I go to You”

Imagery – walking along a lonely pathPersonal emotion – longing in dreams cannot compare with a moment of reality

“Doesn’t He Realize” Imagery – seaweed in the churning surfPersonal emotion – being taken for granted

Tanka“Unseen by Men’s Eyes”

Imagery – Autumn/night in the mountainsPersonal emotion – quiet delight

“Now that the Blossoms” Imagery – late springPersonal emotion – longing

Tanka“One Lone Pine Tree”

Imagery – a solitary treePersonal emotion – mood of sadness, self-mocking

“Drops of Dew” Imagery – raindrops on delicate spider webPersonal emotion – appreciation