A tanka poem has 31 syllables in a 5/7/5/7/7 pattern. Also, the first two lines are more descriptive and image-focused, shifting to a more reflective metaphor, simile, or personification in the closing lines.
I wrote this to describe three-year-old Ethan at the orange grove:
Loping down the path
He has no concern or fear
He runs with wildness
Like a hungry coyote
In search of a tasty hare
I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 30 years in Southern California. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of four darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 44 years.
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Beyond adorable… xox J
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Thanks, Jeanne. Hugs.