he gave me

This is an Ekphrastic tanka, written to present my take on one of Anne Geddes' lovely baby photographs.

 

 

 

 

he gave me

a bouquet of tulips

in early spring

peeking from each blossom

a baby not yet born

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Publication credit: "Ribbons: Tanka Society of America Journal" July 2010
Genre: Ekphrastic tanka
Graphic credit: Anne Geddes

Reviews

[wordwarrior]

Soft and tender and as always with your poems, says so much more than the words.
Cleverly and brilliantly penned Joyce.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, word. Your words always manage to put a smile on my face and I am very grateful for that. I just wish I had more time and energy to read much more of your and other poets' work. Seems like I am run ragged lately. Have a very nice evening.

[Dye]

What a sweet poem, and complimented nicely by an Anne Geddes photo. I love her pictures. I've never tried a Tanka, so I can't offer critique-- but I like what I read and wanted to at least let you know.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Dye. Your words are more than enough, Dye, they tell me your thoughts and those thoughts are important to me. Brevity is really the soul of tanka so a short comment is certainly in order!

[rutherford]

subtle little gem ending with a great simile

[Joyce S. Greene]

What a nice comment, rutherford. Thanks for leaving such encouraging thoughts.

[SyberRose]

Beautiful Joyce...i have a few of her photos and they are adorable ...love the picture and the poem.:)

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Rose. I really appreciate hearing your thoughts, they mean a lot to me.

[Rita L. Sev]

This is a beautiful poem, a perfect companion to the Anne Geddes pic. Your poem embodies the joy of Life, simply and sweetly.

[Joyce S. Greene]

What a wonderful comment, Rita! Thank you very much and I hope you sleep well.

[Frieda P]

I adore Anne Geddes work, you've done her proud here Joyce, lovely!

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Frieda. Your very nice words have made me smile.

[Frieda P]

Good to know, well deserved Joyce.

[Lydia Shutter]

What a lovely sentiment is expressed here. The hope to have children with him...the love that is beginning....sweet. The graphic is great. No wonder it inspired you to write. Lydi**

[Joyce S. Greene]

My aunt sent me a card bearing this photo, and I was immediately enchanted by it and wrote a tanka to celebrate the lovely image. Thanks so much for your very insightful review, Lydi. I value very highly your thoughts.

[Tom]

This would make a tremendous message on well-wishing cards from friends and family on the joyous occasion on the birth of a new born baby!

A delightful short poem of joy and happiness !

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Tom, for your very encouraging review. I always love hearing from you!

[MsJewel]

Absolutely stunning Joyce! You write these tankas so well and your graphic is adorable.
It's always a delight to read your poetry.
Hugs, Julie

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Julie. Your review has put a big smile on my face.

[Michael G. Smith]

Almost didn't get it because my eyesight isn't what it used to be.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Sorry, Michael, my eyes aren't so great either anymore - very bad dry eye which is exacerbated by way too many computer hours. Getting small things clear when you reduce the size of large images is very difficult.

[Michael G. Smith]

I bought a new touch screen computer so I can easily enlarge the screen. It works wonders for the eyes, perhaps it's back to paper and ink for you, but I know how much easier it is to write using such technology.