Tanka for Shayna
In winter, I grin
a rictus. Grimace. Poor play
at feeling, motion,
breath. Rag stuffed, I shift my bones,
I smile. Do I convince you?
Tanka for Geoffrey
1.
rain. Blackbirds fly up, red wings
flash bright: a kindness.
My friend’s words, candle-warm,
A witness: we will see spring.
A winter friend: bright
as a candle after dark.
A heavy heart holds
light close, hand-cupped and cherished—
small flames tethers through the night.
Haiku & Tanka: January 2026
Unkind winter: us
upon it, grasping. Angry.
Frightened: and what spring?
Warm winter cut through
with cruel storms. Kinder than men
whose hands clutch power.
Flock of brown sparrows
intent on seeds. Who feeds us
fat on lies? Starved for truth,
we gobble propaganda,
each meal worse. Oh, feed us!
Gray sky, blackbird flies
Bright flash of red uncovered.
Joy, always, brief and bright.
A sparrow flock lights
on my feeder: plump huddle,
bundled, chatting. I'll
eat, gossip, live. too. Feathers
fluffed, I'll stay for spring with you.
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