“A Tanka Trio (5)” published at Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry

Hi, friends. The fifth installment of my tanka series titled “A Tanka Trio (5)” is now available at Gobblers by Masticadores. Each of these installments contains three tanka (be sure to click this link or the link below to read all of them). Sincere thanks to Editor Manuela Timofte for publishing this installment. These three tanka are rather dark as they’re based on memories of domestic abuse from my childhood.

“A Tanka Trio (5)”
© 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#13)

It is only blood
Just a cut on father’s head
Battered mother weeps
I have slain the beast for now
Ten-year-old son dies inside

…..

(#14)

In the backyard ball
Bounces against shed all day
Louder louder must
Drown out monster’s roaring voice
Dusty tears streak child’s face

You can read the rest of this tanka installment here:

A Tanka Trio (5)

Also, don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Gobblers by Masticadores, where you’ll find some wonderful writing and plenty of food for thought.

30 thoughts on ““A Tanka Trio (5)” published at Gobblers by Masticadores”

    1. Thanks, Miriam. So many people have had it so much worse than I did. Writing about it feels like doing occasional cleaning, you know? Sweeping out those cobwebs in the corners and tossing out decades-old trash. It tends to accumulate again, but I’m fortunate I have a way to keep it at bay.

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    1. Thank you, Sue. This stuff comes to the surface now and then and I end up writing about it. At my age, I realize it’s not going to magically go away, so it’s a matter of managing it rather than curing it. I’m glad I’m able to write it down when it rears its head. So many people who’ve experienced trauma have no way to deal with it and it becomes crippling. It’s a symptom of the human condition, I suppose.

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      1. Writing, especially through poetry, is a very therapeutic way of releasing emotional trauma.
        During this present ‘Earth Phase’, I’ve also found lots of past childhood memories surfacing.

        I’ve been turning this around in my mind to focus on trying to remember the happy times. Which were many.
        Our minds will always focus more on the trauma wounding and pain.

        Wishing you well, Mike, as you process your journey through releasing via poetry.

        Take care. 💛

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    1. Many thanks, David. You stated it succinctly, for sure. When innocence is destroyed, we can’t get it back. It’s gone. I think we all experience this at some point. It’s just a shame when children are robbed of their innocence due to parents who never, ever should have been allowed to have kids of their own. I appreciate your kind words. Wishing you a good upcoming week.

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    1. Thank you, Ashley. Yes, this stuff rises to the surface now and then and I must write it out. I realized long ago that trauma has no cure and we must learn to manage it. No magic pills, alas. Writing is my management tool, along with regular counseling. It helps, thank goodness. Have a good week ahead.

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      1. Dear Mike, you are right! Write it out of you! So far, the week begins sunny but rather cool, chance of a frost tonight, so we’ll have to remember to bring those soft plants back indoors, overnight. 🙏

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    1. Thank you kindly, Beth. It’s been a long time, but these memories reappear now and then, unbidden. Trauma works its dark magic and I end up wielding my pen (or keyboard) to keep it at bay. So many people have had it so much worse than I did as a kid. My heart breaks for all of them.

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    1. Thank you, Joanne. Ah, childhood… Some parents simply should not be allowed to have children. They have no concept of how their own mental problems can affect their innocent kids, scarring them for life. I don’t know what I’d do if I weren’t able to utilize writing as a form of therapy. I know many folks struggle with childhood trauma. My heart goes out to all of them.

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  10. I feel a resignation in these, a sad acceptance of this is how it must be and was. But I also feel an anger simmering, perhaps that was brushed aside in the midst of that unrelenting trauma ❤️💔

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  15. it’s amazing how much feeling you convey in so few lines, my friend.. Brief yet full of depth. I love how you capture emotion and imagery with such elegance and restraint. A lovely trio—thank you for sharing these, Mike💕

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    1. Thank you, Saima. There’s something about Japanese short-form poetry that lends itself to intense imagery and bursts of emotion. I love trying to distill an emotion down to its very base form where it has so much power and profound meaning. Thank you for always being so supportive. You light up this community, and I’m glad you’re here, friend. 😊🌸

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