(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley
…..
(#1)
My empty heart holds
More of you than I can bear
There is no more room
For mem’ries of mountain song
Sorrow-blossoms weep for you
…..
(#2)
In chill morning air
I wake up the sun and set
The breeze in motion
Wafting heaven’s incense through
Sleeping earth and drowsing sky
…..
(#3)
In the depths of night
I reach through the years for you
With each passing day
Time takes you away from me
Dying echoes in the dark
Silent Pariah 
Beautifully evocative; I do love a tanka
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Thanks, Juliette. I thought it was about time I tried my hand at tanka. I love the challenge of creating something meaningful in such a restricted format. There’s a beautiful austerity in Japanese poetry I find compelling. Thank you for your kind words, as always. 🙂
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These lines in particular are so good.
❤
David
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Hey, David! Thanks for this. While writing this, I recalled the back surgery I had in 2012 and how I would go for early pre-dawn walks to help my recuperation. I lived on a farm at the time, so I had the sun, moon, sky and earth all to myself those mornings as I walked with the dogs as the sun rose and the moon set and everything awoke. Just incredible memories, and yes, it did feel as though I were waking up the sun and setting things in motion for the day. 🙂
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