Hey, folks. The ninth installment of my tanka series titled “A Tanka Trio (9)” is now live 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). I’m grateful to editor Manuela Timofte for sharing this installment with her readers. Thank you kindly, Manuela.

“A Tanka Trio (9)”
© 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#25)

Old stones squander heat
In the fire pit at night
After flames have died
Wrapped in fading embers’ arms
Love succumbs to apathy

…..

(#26)

I pick up the eggs
Fallen from a sparrow’s nest
Observing the cracks
There is silence as the earth
Contemplates what might have been

You can read the rest of this tanka installment here:

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.

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:

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.

I’d like to announce the third installment of my tanka series titled “A Tanka Trio (3)” is now live 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. I hope you find these enjoyable.

“A Tanka Trio (3)”
© 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#7)

My eyes hear what my
Ears cannot see I wash my
Mouth of bitter taste
Of memories long past and
Chase scent of elusive hope

…..

(#8)

Distant memories
Hide like frail columbines
Shade-bound ‘neath the firs
Fragile petals woe-dappled
In the meadows of my mind

You can read the rest of this tanka installment here:

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.

I’m happy to announce the second installment of my tanka series titled “A Tanka Trio (2)” is now available at Gobblers by Masticadores. Each of these installments contains three tanka (be sure to click this link to read all of them). Many thanks to Editor Manuela Timofte for sharing this installment. I hope these appeal to you.

“A Tanka Trio (2)”
© 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#4)

Northern memories
Chill my heart as bitter cold
Crystallizes tears
Frozen shame adorns my face
Wind howls in my lonely soul

…..

(#5)

My heart spills itself
Upon the ground like untied
Bags of grain carried
Carelessly upon the back
Thoughtless birds feast on my tears

You can read the rest of this tanka installment here:

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.

Hi, folks. The first installment of my tanka series titled “A Tanka Trio (1)” is now live at Gobblers by Masticadores. Each of these installments contains three tanka (be sure to click this link to read all of them). I appreciate Editor Manuela Timofte for her graciousness in sharing this installment and I hope these small verses connect with you.

“A Tanka Trio (1)”
(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

You can read the rest of this tanka installment by clicking this link. 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.