The Stray

For Helena's Blue Rose Cafe ~ Form: TANKA contest

Cold and wet she came
Shivering in the deluge
Head hung low she came
Asking for home warmth and love --
Tucked in a blanket she lies

Author's Note

Tanka:


There are different methods of writing tanka in English, but the most common form is writing five lines consisting of 5-7-5-7-7 English syllables. This is also considered to be the most traditional form of tanka.


There are five lines in a Tanka poem.

Line one - 5 syllables Beautiful mountains
Line two - 7 syllables Rivers with cold, cold water.
Line three - 5 syllable White cold snow on rocks
Line four - 7 syllables Trees over the place with frost
Line five - 7 syllables White sparkly snow everywhere.


Tanks poems are written about nature, seasons, love, sadness and other strong emotions. This form of poetry dates back almost 1200 years ago.

Reviews

[SHEEMA HUQ]

she looks as if she knows that she is regarded with such affection, really lovely...............

[Laughing-Bear]

My Dear Writing Friend,
As usual your poem made me smile. This one was really special as dogs are my life. It was a dog that just showed up one day that became my best lead dog ever. His name is Oslie, and we still are the best of friends. You are gifted my friend, keep up the good work and when my health improves I’ll try one of your stories.

Blessings, Laughing-Bear

[Norma M Sutton]

Thank you for your kind comments. My dogs are indeed special. Their presence allows me to sleep a little better at night.

[Samuel Dickens]

Could some higher power speak to animals, telling them directions to Norma's house? I have to wonder. Very sweet.

[Norma M Sutton]

lol I think I have "sucker" stamped somewhere on my person where all animals can see it lol

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

That is so sweet... I wish i could save every stray I see.

[Norma M Sutton]

I can't either, but this was a special situation :)

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Oh I understand completely.

[lillythorn]

you defiantly have a gift... and thank you for explaining the structure, you are awesome!!

[Helen Crutchett]

A lovely Tanka. I could just see that sweet little dog. Thank you for joining in the contest! ~ Helena

[Norma M Sutton]

Thank you Helena. The dog in the photo is "The Stray". I carried her home with me and she is sitting in my lap as I type.