Thursday, March 2, 2017

One Man's Maple Moon: Bicycle Tanka by Karen O'Leary

English Original

alone
on a bicycle
built for two ...
a hill
I can't climb

A Hundred Gourds, 5:3, June 2016

Karen O'Leary


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

獨自
騎乘兩人共用
的自行車 ...
那座山丘
我無法爬攀

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

独自
骑乘两人共用
的自行车...
那座山丘
我无法爬攀


Bio Sketch

Karen O’Leary is a writer and editor from West Fargo, ND.  She has published poetry, short stories, and articles in a variety of venues including, Frogpond, A Hundred Gourds, Haiku Pix, Sharpening the Green Pencil 2014, Now This: Contemporary Poems of Beginnings, Renewals and Firsts, Creative Inspirations, and Poems of the World.  She currently edits an online poetry journal called Whispers

11 comments:

  1. Karen's "middle-of-the-story" poem is a fine example of minimalist tanka: not a word missing, not a word to be added. And on a second reading, Ls 4&5 work effectively on at least two levels, literal and analogic.

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  2. Dear Chen-ou,

    What a gift to have another poem published at NeverEnding Story! Your beautiful journal is a treasure Asian verse that expands the visibility of poems with the time you put into translations. I am so grateful for all you do for me.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  3. Fascinating poem, one which provokes the imagination of the casual reader, to put themselves into this situation, eventually coming to the obvious conclusion, the author is undeniably onto something unique and special.

    Well played, Karen. Well played.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Michael,

      Thank you for your kind words. You are such a thoughtful and caring friend. Best wishes to you always.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  4. Fascinating poem, one which provokes the imagination of the casual reader, to put themselves into this situation, eventually coming to the obvious conclusion, the author is undeniably onto something unique and special.

    Well played, Karen. Well played.

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  5. Dear Karen,
    This poem is haunting and provocative.
    What a lesson for those of us apprenticing in the Asian forms.
    Blessings,
    Michael

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    Replies
    1. Dear Michael,

      Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend. Asian forms are evolving. I am studying but am an apprentice too. I appreciate the time you took to share a few thoughts with me.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  6. Yes, true simplicity is a hard-won achievement. Thank you for letting me know about your publication, Karen. :)

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    Replies
    1. Dear Marianne,

      Yes, the brevity is a challenge but I'm a short verse gal so Asian form intrigue me. Chen-ou does a beautiful joy with his journal. I hope to see you published here sometime too.

      Best wishes and blessings,
      Karen

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  7. I really enjoyed this piece Karen, creates quite an image, thanks for sharing and congratulations!

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    Replies
    1. Dear Peggy,

      Thank you, my friend, for these lovely thoughts. I am so grateful to Chen-ou for providing this wonderful journal.

      Blessings always,
      Karen

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