Wednesday, November 10, 2021

One Man's Maple Moon: Temperance Tanka by Joanna Ashwell

English Original

raindrops
fall like teardrops
upon the earth
a slow scorch
of temperance

Joanna Ashwell


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

點點雨滴
像淚珠般地墜落
在泥土上
一種緩慢焦灼
的戒酒情緒

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

点点雨滴
像泪珠般地坠落
在泥土上
一种缓慢焦灼
的戒酒情绪

 
Bio Sketch

Joanna Ashwell, a writer from the North East of England. Has been a tutor, pharmacy dispenser and administrator.   Enjoys reading and writing various Japanese poetry forms and is a member of many linked organisations.  Has been  published in Blithe Spirit, Stardust, Ribbons, Eucalpt, Frogpond, Heron’s Nest, Atlas Poetica, The Cherita Journal  and others.

1 comment:

  1. Technically speaking, there are two similes, one explicit (Ls 1-3) and the other implicit (Ls 4&5), and the first simile (raindrops like "teardrops") functions like an emotional response to the second one (earth/"temperance").

    And narratively speaking, the buildup to the last line (twist/surprise ending) is thematically significant and poignantly effective.

    For more about how to effectively use a twist/surprise ending, see "To the Lighthouse: Twist/Surprise Ending," accessed at http://neverendingstoryhaikutanka.blogspot.com/2021/06/to-lighthouse-twistsurprise-ending.html

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