A Gathering

At our first autumn gathering around the firepit the air is crisp. It is clear change is afoot in more ways than one.

The conversation is at once silly and heartfelt, as it can sometimes be among friends. Everyone just needs a break from all the turmoil.

My gaze move between the flicker of the flames, and the moon.

in the night sky

on this autumn night

the moon wears a mask

of drifting clouds

it comes, and it goes.

Pat R

9/25/2020

For Colleen’s a weekly Tanka Tuesday where the prompt this week is the theme “Night Sky” a Gogyohka Haibun, sorta. To read or to participate go here.

A Shift

I can see the changes as summer days slip away. It seems that at five thirty in the evening, the light is already changing. I wonder if it’s just overcast skies. But it’s been persistent, so maybe not.

The rustle of leaves up high in tree tops suddenly sound louder. To the left, Canada geese congregate in the open field. The sparrows are outnumbered, so they’ve moved elsewhere. The sweltering heat has moved on.

a shift in time –

under the uproar of the wind in trees

a kinder breeze

Pat R

9/03/20

For Colleen’s Weekly poetry challenge where the choice this week is the Poet’s choice. To read or to participate go here

COLLEEN’S 2020 WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 193, #POET’SCHOICE

&

For dVerse Poets Pub Open Link Night (OLN). To read and participate go here

OpenLinkNight #273

Map

A couple years ago I spent some time in Sedona Arizona. Along with Santorini and Maui it was one of the coolest places I had ever been. It’s hard to put a name on this feeling. I found myself emersed in the energy and craving quiet. The light, and the sunsets in this place felt curative. Every now and then I still wonder…”what was that!?”

mesmerizing lure

a deep feeling of well being –

in red rock country

this glow infused my spirit

defying definition

Pat R

8/25/20

For Tanka Tuesday over at Colleen’s where the prompt this week is a theme “Map” . To stop by and do some reading or participate go here

COLLEEN’S 2020 WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 192, #THEMEPROMPT

A Russle

(Took this photo in the park, a tree sanctuary. I often wonder how this shape came to be)

 

 

a quiet russle

grows to excited chatter

a swift breeze moves through

as I near the shaded grove

I pause at the sound of change

Pat R

7/29/20

 

 

Over at Colleen’s it’s theme week. This is the quote we are using for inspiration, provided by Sue Vincent. To read more or to participate go here.

“Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth.” Herman Hesse

 

Theme Prompt – A Gogyohka

as captive of time and nature

eyes nudged open

to this new dawn in the strife of life –

as we move through time,

I breathe – you breathe

Pat R

6/23/20

A Gogyohka for Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday. A theme prompt in the words of Longfellow:-

“…In the world’s broad field of battle,

In the bivouac of Life,

Be not like dumb, driven cattle!

Be a hero in the strife!…”

OR

“…Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sands of time…”

From his poem

A Psalm of Life

BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

Here is a link to the full poem.

A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow | Poetry Foundation

Grace & Style

under the bluest sky
and warm caribbean sun
coconut palms sway –
such grace and ease of design,
no worries of wintry days

Pat R

11/13/19

For Tanka Tuesday over at Colleen’s where the prompt words are synonyms of Grace & Stlye. I used Ease & Design. So stop over at Colleen’s where fun things are happening and do some reading here.

 

 

 

Trail of Spring

flock of geese
on the trail of spring –
innate guide

Pat R

3/12/19

Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday where the prompt words are Follow & Lead…but, we are to use synonyms. I used “Trail Of” & “Guide”. Today, I wrote a haiku.

 

Thick Skull

Mother Bea sits in her wooden rocking chair on the rickety varandah. She is placed there every morning. She does not walk. She must be over 80 years old. Even her kids were old. When you are little, everybody is old! I watch her as she watches the daily interactions of the children in the yard. She would make one word prouncements on the goings-on.
Cry baby. Smart. Determined. Thick skull. I often wondered how she arrived at these critiques from such a distance. And more often, just who she was talking about!

at times it’s futile
figuring out which spirit
whisper the loudest
in their attempts to guide me –
probably pointless, thick skull!

For Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday
Where the prompt is synonyms for :
Ghost & Hollow

I used : Spirit & Futile

To see other entries and participate go here.

&

With Real Toads with Vivian

&

dVerse Poets Pub Open Link Night

 

 

Riches of Color

a majestic stance
though tossed by some wicked winds –
a wilting tulip

in this short stint above ground
life with riches of color

Pat R

5/17/18

For Colleens Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge

The prompt words are Dignity & Success
Use of synonyms only

Dignity : Majesty

Success: Riches

&

dVerse Poets Poetics where the prompt is Noodling. My word choice is :Life

 

Blossom Drizzle

Photo taken at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

a spring fantasy
cherry blossom canopy –
in hands of nature

a lane with cherry blossom
drizzle – a good place

Pat R

5/09/18

Using synonyms for “Belong & Dream”

Belong: be in the hands

Dream: fantasy

For Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday