Tanka poems (短歌 tan-kah) are short poems that originated in Japan in the 13th century. They are made up of 5 long lines, and often express deep feelings about nature, love, or desire. If you want to write a tanka poem, start with brainstorming. Then create a rough draft with sensory details and descriptive language. Polish the eraser once it's ready so that the tanka is filled with powerful images and deep emotion.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Brainstorming Tanka Ideas
Step 1. Focus on a place in nature
Tanka poems are similar to haikus in that the subject is usually about nature and the natural world. Think of a place in nature that you consider beautiful, impressive, or impressive. Pick an animal or plant from nature that you think is inspiring.
- To get inspiration for the poem, you can go for a walk in a natural area such as a park or garden.
- You can also look up pictures of nature on the internet for ideas.
Step 2. Write about an emotion like desire, love, or sadness
Tanka poems also focus on strong emotions and how you experience that emotion. Think of a time when you felt a strong desire or love for someone. Write about an experience where you felt sad or devastated.
For example, you can write about the sadness you felt when you failed a test. You can also write about the desire you felt for a lover or partner in your life
Step 3. Read examples of this type of poem
To get a better idea of the form, read examples of tanka poems on the Internet or in poetic anthologies at your local library. You can read the following:
- Three Haiku, Two Tanka by Philip Appleman
- Shells in the Sand by Gerard John Conforti
- Tanka poetry by Hiroko Seki
Part 2 of 3: Create a draft
Step 1. Follow the structure of the lines and syllables of a tanka poem
A tanka poem has five verses, which follow a pattern of five and seven syllables, similar to haiku. The structure of a tanka poem is as follows:
- Verse 1: 5 syllables.
- Verse 2: 7 syllables.
- Verse 3: 5 syllables.
- Verse 4: 7 syllables.
- Verse 5: 7 syllables.
- Tanka poems do not use any punctuation.
Step 2. Use the first person point of view
Tanka poems are always written from the poet's perspective. Use first-person statements to describe your feelings and emotions about the topic. Paint a picture of your experience from your point of view for the reader to see.
For example, you can have a verse like "I fell from the tree" or "I started to cry."
Step 3. Include sensory details
The poem should describe the topic using sensory details such as hearing, taste, smell, touch, and sight. Describe the topic using these senses so that the reader is immersed in the poem.
For example, you can write "The tree hurt me" or "Crying burned me."
Step 4. Achieve a change of direction in the third verse
A good tanka poem begins with two lines that describe the poet's experiences, while the third should change the tone of the poem, reflecting on the first two. For example, you can write the following:
- Verse 1: I fell from the tree
- Verse 2: At the still lake
- Verse 3: I am nothing anymore
Step 5. Finish with two significant lines
The last two lines of the poem should present a deep thought or reflection to the reader. The last lines should leave you with a strong feeling or emotion. Tanka poems usually end with a sad or bittersweet tone. An example is the following:
- Verse 1: I fell from the tree
- Verse 2: At the still lake
- Verse 3: I am nothing anymore
- Verse 4: Without you and your sweetness
- Verse 5: I drink water and try
Part 3 of 3: Polishing the tanka
Step 1. Read the poem out loud
Once you've completed the draft of the poem, read it out loud to yourself and hear what it sounds like. Determine if the poem respects the format of verses and syllables. Check that the poem flows properly and has a deep meaning, especially in the last two verses. Underline the verses that you notice strange so that you can review them later.
Step 2. Show the poem to other people
Ask your friends, family, and colleagues to read it. Ask them for their opinions on your content. Ask them if they feel a deep emotion or if they have been moved after reading it.
You can also show the poem in a writing group or poetry group if you are part of one
Step 3. Give it a title if you prefer
Tanka poems are generally not titled. However, you can add one to it if you prefer. Choose a simple and short title. You can include the word "tanka" in it.