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
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.
ReplyDeleteDear Chen-ou,
ReplyDeleteWhat 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
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.
ReplyDeleteWell played, Karen. Well played.
Dear Michael,
DeleteThank you for your kind words. You are such a thoughtful and caring friend. Best wishes to you always.
Blessings,
Karen
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.
ReplyDeleteWell played, Karen. Well played.
Dear Karen,
ReplyDeleteThis poem is haunting and provocative.
What a lesson for those of us apprenticing in the Asian forms.
Blessings,
Michael
Dear Michael,
DeleteThank 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
Yes, true simplicity is a hard-won achievement. Thank you for letting me know about your publication, Karen. :)
ReplyDeleteDear Marianne,
DeleteYes, 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
I really enjoyed this piece Karen, creates quite an image, thanks for sharing and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteDear Peggy,
DeleteThank you, my friend, for these lovely thoughts. I am so grateful to Chen-ou for providing this wonderful journal.
Blessings always,
Karen