Cat mother with two newborn kittens: A Tanka poem
That look on her face!
Startled surprise…maternity
Anthropomorphized?
Offspring are forever nurtured;
Motherhood is a life long trust.
Tanka poetry
Tanka poems follow a set of rules. They all have five lines and each line follows a pattern: the first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, the third line has five syllables, the fourth line has seven syllables, and the fifth line has seven syllables.
When written in English, Tanka poems must meet criteria concerning their structure and content. The number of syllables in each line is the only stylistic constraint of Tanka—there’s no need to rhyme or follow any specific meter.
Additionally, the third line must transition from the descriptive and image-focused beginning lines (called kami-no-ku) into a reflective metaphor, simile, or personification for the closing lines (shimo-no-ku). The subject matter can vary, but many poets choose a subject that’s emotionally stirring or quietly profound.
Tanka Poetry Defined: 3 Examples of Tanka Poems – 2025 – MasterClass
Graceguts – Tanka and the Five W’s
Your friend,
Robert
Robert McBryde – robertmcbrydeauthor.com
