Poetic Musings: My Brother, Homeless Tanka by Theresa Tish Davis

How does one write #tanka, once one recognizes the essence of tanka? Amongst many correct answers to this question, the one I wish to clarify in this case is: “Leave the reader dreaming room."

-- Denis M. Garrison

my spoon

tapping a can

for the feral cats;

my brother, homeless,

in an unnamed wood

First Place, 2013 World Tanka Contest 

Theresa Tish Davis

Commentary: Theresa's tanka is made up of five poetic phrases (ku) and structured into two parts -- two simply stated facts. The feral cats are strangers and yet well taken care of by the speaker while the speaker's estranged brother becomes homeless, living in an unnamed wood. What's going on in his life? why does he become estranged from his family? ... The juxtaposition of these two facts invites comparison and leaves dreaming room for the reader's  imagination. This is a fine example of "shasei" (sketch from life) tanka where there is no overt expression of emotions.