TANKA

by

Brendan Tyreman

Wonder where I look

Called mono no aware:

Always it’s been there.

Now I can name such beauty;

Thankful to life for Tanka.

Wind rustles the leaves

And brings sighs from ancient oaks.

And it’s the same wind

That bellows your great white sails

And brings you each day closer.

The passing of clouds

Momentarily casts light

Over the still lake.

The showers will soon pour down

And shatter the calm silence.

The flowing waters

Rinse the crimson blood away.

The battle over.

Yet neither side the victor:

No glory for anyone.

I saw only dark

For a while when he had gone.

My only brother

Took with him the sun and light.

And no birds were there to sing.

One good day, I’ll look

Out across the misty sea,

And see that great ship

Bringing home its promises

Of Love and safety to me.