The Hummingbird: A Tanka Poem

The Hummingbird: A Tanka Poem

For Leigh Bateman

Hummingbirds flutter

Hovering above the abyss.

My wings are broken,

Turbulence before collapse,

Bright colours before the crash.

This poem is dedicated to my good friend Leigh Bateman, a birder par excellence.

The poem was inspired by the work of art you see posted as the featured image above, a creation of the Indigenous artist Richard Shorty. This work adorns the walls of our home. Below is another example of his work:

https://yukonart.ca/collections/richard-shorty

Hummingbirds and symbolism, especially in Indigenous cultures

https://cedarhilllonghouse.ca/the-hummingbird-symbol-native-art-symbols-and-meanings/

https://fauna-protect.com/en-ca/blogs/spirit-animals/hummingbird-spirit-animal

More on hummingbirds

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummingbird

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.

Your friend,

Robert