Learning How to Write Tanka

 

Here are some helpful links providing guidelines on a how to write a good tanka:

 

 

http://www.tankaonline.com/

 

http://www.tankasocietyofamerica.org/essays

 

http://www.graceguts.com/essays

 

 

http://atlaspoetica.org/?page_id=705

 

 

http://www.ahapoetry.com/tanka.htm

 

http://www.mandys-pages.com/poetry/discussion/166-tanka-quality

 

 

Cherry Blossom Centennial Stamp

     Have you run out of stamps? Make sure you purchase the cherry blossom stamps, the ones that were just released on March 24, 2012, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees of Japan to US. I haven't seen them myself because each time I went to the post office, I was always told these Forever stamps have been sold out.

 

     Today, on the 11th of April, incredible news about these cherry blossom stamps were reported on The Washington Post. Nearly 1 million are being sold a day, exceeding all expectations! Read here for more details.

     Michael Dylan Welch was so thrilled when I told him the news. Why wouldn't he be? He and Emiko Miyashita have a waka (tanka) translation appearing at the backing paper for each set of twenty stamps. If you want to see the translation and read more about it, click this link leading to Graceguts.  

   

The Usage of Season Words

   Have you read any haiku that sounds artificial because of the unnecessary use of a season word? Or have you pinpoint a seasonal word or phrase that only applies to Japanese culture?
     Read Michael Dylan Welch's essay, Up With Season Words, and you'll be able to understand how Japan kigo are relevant in English-language haiku. You'll also discover how you can adapt the concept and principles of seasons words in English.
     According to him, season words do often improve the haiku, but aren't necessary. The three poems, which he illustrates in his essay, show his approach to season words. 
     When you decide to use season words to add depth to your haiku, always remember to carefully use them as "an anchor or 'setting' in time- like a gold ring that cradles a diamond." Read another of his essay here and you'll learn more about how to use seasonal reference effectively and avoid the common mistake of creating "weather report" haiku.