One Man's Maple Moon: Click Tanka by Susan Constable

English Original

... and then

the click of a garden gate

on a moonless night

the sound of his footsteps

sneaking into my dream

The Eternity of Waves, 2017

Susan Constable

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

... 然後

花園大門咔噠一聲

在沒有月光的夜晚

他的腳步聲

悄悄地潛入我的夢境

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

... 然后

花园大门咔哒一声

在没有月光的夜晚

他的脚步声

悄悄地潜入我的梦境

Bio Sketch

Susan Constable (1943–2026) was an award-winning Canadian poet whose haiku and tanka appeared widely in global journals. She authored the acclaimed collection The Eternity of Waves and served as tanka editor for A Hundred Gourds (2012–2016). Constable also co-edited multiple anthologies and judged numerous international short-form poetry contests.

Butterfly Dream: Belly Dancer Haiku by Susan Constable

English Original

belly dancer

the glitter of gold

in her navel

A Hundred Gourds, 1:2, March 2012

Susan Constable

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

肚皮舞孃

她的肚臍閃爍

金光

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

肚皮舞娘

她的肚脐闪烁

金光

Bio Sketch

Susan Constable (1943–2026) was an award-winning Canadian poet whose haiku and tanka appeared widely in global journals. She authored the acclaimed collection The Eternity of Waves and served as tanka editor for A Hundred Gourds (2012–2016). Constable also co-edited multiple anthologies and judged numerous international short-form poetry contests.

One Man's Maple Moon: Haze Tanka by Susan Constable

English Original

ocean salt

spatters the windows

by winter’s end

I peer through a haze

of might-have-beens

The Eternity of Waves, 2017

Susan Constable

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

海鹽

濺落在窗戶上

到了冬末

透過一層薄霧我凝視

那些可能發生卻未發生的事情

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

海盐

溅落在窗户上

到了冬末

透过一层薄雾我凝视

那些可能发生却未发生的事情

Bio Sketch

Susan Constable (1943–2026) was an award-winning Canadian poet whose haiku and tanka appeared widely in global journals. She authored the acclaimed collection The Eternity of Waves and served as tanka editor for A Hundred Gourds (2012–2016). Constable also co-edited multiple anthologies and judged numerous international short-form poetry contests.

Butterfly Dream: Dragonfly Haiku by Susan Constable

English Original

blue on blue

a dragonfly taps

the skylight

First Place, 2010 Porad Award

Susan Constable

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

藍上加藍

一隻蜻蜓輕啄

天窗

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

蓝上加蓝

一只蜻蜓轻啄

天窗

Bio Sketch

Susan Constable (1943–2026) was an award-winning Canadian poet whose haiku and tanka appeared widely in global journals. She authored the acclaimed collection The Eternity of Waves and served as tanka editor for A Hundred Gourds (2012–2016). Constable also co-edited multiple anthologies and judged numerous international short-form poetry contests.

Poetic Musings: Haze Tanka by Susan Constable

in memory of Susan Constable

an early supporter of NeverEnding Story, who passed away on the evening of March 18.

ocean salt

spatters the windows

by winter’s end

I peer through a haze

of might-have-beens

The Eternity of Waves, 2017

Susan Constable

Commentary: This tanka follows the classic structure beautifully, beginning with a sharp, physical image in Ls 1-3 before shifting into an emotional realization in Ls 4&5. The transition in L 3, “by winter’s end,” is both thematically and emotionally effective. It moves the reader from the external, cold grime of the world into the internal reflection of the self.

The choice of “ocean salt” as the metaphor for the haze of regrets is tactile and resonant. Salt is both abrasive and preserving, adding depth to the concept of “might-have-beens.” It's a fitting symbol for regret: something that wears down but also lingers, much like the residue of the past.

And while the phrase “might-have-beens” can sometimes verge on cliché, it feels earned here. Grounded in the image of the dirty window, it resonates with the specific end-of-winter lethargy—where everything feels slightly blurred and stagnant, and the weight of what could have been lingers in the cold, quiet air.

Butterfly Dream: Moonlight and Prayers Haiku by Susan Constable

English Original

moonlight fingering the blue of her prayers

Acorn, 39, Fall 2017

Susan Constable

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

月光輕撫她祈禱中流露出的鬱悶

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

月光轻抚她祈祷中流露出的郁闷

Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

Cool Announcement: A Freebie, The Eternity of Waves by Susan Constable

My Dear Readers

The award-winning e-book, The Eternity of Waves, written by NeverEnding Story contributor, Susan Constable, is available to read free online.

Selected Tanka:

the forest

the stars, the moon

all lost in fog ...

how will he find his way

from this life to the next

afterwards ...

fields of prairie grass

bend to the wind

as we walk hand in hand

along an unmarked path

after his death

the ocean comforts me

how I yearn

to inhale that depth of blue

the eternity of waves

when I cry

you cry with me ...

our river

of loss and sorrow

salting the Pacific

ocean salt

spatters the windows

by winter’s end

I peer through a haze

of might-have-beens

... and then

the click of a garden gate

on a moonless night

the sound of his footsteps

sneaking into my dream

a large bruise

deep inside the mang

unexpected

the way she turned away

when we needed her most

Poetic Musings: Deeper Blue Haiku by Susan Constable

half the sky
a deeper blue
mid-life birthday

tinywords, January 9, 2012

Susan Constable

Commentary: The association here is the concept of half – “half a sky” and “mid-life”. Notice how Susan carefully uses two different words for the same idea. Writing haiku also means using word skills and not just marvelous inspiration. Here again it is the final word that gives the whole poem gravitas and deeper meaning. The concept of half a sky and half a life is impressive but she goes on to add two other images.

“A deeper blue” certainly is a realistic and valid description of sky and it is easy to imagine an actual sky that has a darker blue in part of it. However, when “deeper blue” is added to birthday (as many are profoundly depressed by birthdays) this idea of sadness or melancholy is expressed.

Deeper into this poem is the layer that proclaims that is one half the sky is a darker blue, the future for the person with the birthday, it means that half the sky is lighter. This conveys the idea that the past was happy and light. The “deeper blue” brings the idea that the rest of the life will be richer and more intense – all positive attributes. Susan’s sky does not hold storm clouds or anything really scary. Just a deepening hue of blue. -- excerpted from "Favourite Haiku by Jane Reichhold"

One Man's Maple Moon: This Year Tanka by Susan Constable

English Original

this year

another wedding

another baby …

we extend the old oak table,

squeeze in a few more chairs

Spent Blossoms, TSA Anthology, 2015

Susan Constable

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

今年

另一場婚禮

另一個新生兒 ...

我們加長了舊的橡木桌子，

擠進幾把椅子

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

今年

另一场婚礼

另一个新生儿......

我们加长了旧的橡木桌子，

挤进几把椅子 

Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

Butterfly Dream: Mountain Pass Haiku by Susan Constable

English Original

mountain pass
catching the birth
of a cloud

The Heron’s Nest, 19:3, September 2017

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

山區關口
瞥見一朵雲彩
的誕生

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

山区关口
瞥见一朵云彩
的诞生


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

One Man's Maple Moon: Spring Tanka by Susan Constable

English Original

despite the wind,
sunshine warms my back …
spring flits
from shadow to shadow
on the wings of a butterfly

Frameless Sky, 3, 2015

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

儘管風在吹，
陽光溫暖我的背 ...
在一隻蝴蝶的翅膀上
從一片陰影到另一片
春天飛掠過

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

尽管风在吹，
阳光温暖我的背...
在一只蝴蝶的翅膀上
从一片阴影到另一片
春天飞掠过


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

Butterfly Dream: River's Edge Haiku by Susan Constable

English Original

adopted --
at the river’s edge
I quench my thirst

Bottle Rockets, 34, 2016

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

被收養的孩子 --
站在河邊
我終於解渴了

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

被收养的孩子 --
站在河边
我终于解渴了 


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

Butterfly Dream: Wedding Balloons Haiku by Susan Constable

English Original

wedding balloons –
the squeak and squeal
of tying a knot

The Heron’s Nest, 18:4, 2016

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

婚禮氣球 --
打一個結所發出
吱吱尖叫聲音

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

婚礼气球 --
打一个结所发出
吱吱尖叫声音


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

One Man's Maple Moon: White Lilies Tanka by Susan Constable

English Original

white lilies
opening in the water …
on the bridge
a man stands alone,
scattering ashes

GUSTS, 22, Fall/Winter 2015

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

在河水中
白色百合花盛開 ...
在橋上
有一人獨自
潑撒骨灰

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

在河水中
白色百合花盛开...
在桥上
有一人独自
泼撒骨灰


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

One Man's Maple Moon: Yarn Tanka by Susan Constable

English Original

trying hard
to untangle the knots
in this skein of yarn ...
I don’t know what I mean
until I see what I say

Skylark, 6, 2015

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

努力嘗試
解開一串紗線中
的這些結 ...
我不知道我所說的意思
直到我看到產生的結果

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

努力尝试
解开一串纱线中
的这些结...
我不知道我所说的意思
直到我看到产生的结果


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

Butterfly Dream: Heat Wave Haiku by Susan Constable

English Original

heat wave
the wind chime’s
long silence

Frogpond, 31:3, 2008

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

熱浪
風鈴長時間
的沉默

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

热浪
风铃长时间
的沉默 


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

One Man's Maple Moon: Iron Gates Tanka by Susan Constable

English Original

iron gates
closing at day’s end
my eyes
unable to see beyond
the sound of darkness

Gusts, 21, 2015

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

一天的工作結束
關上大鐵門
我的眼睛無法看到
在黑暗聲音以外
的任何東西

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

一天的工作结束
关上大铁门
我的眼睛无法看到
在黑暗声音以外
的任何东西


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. As well as being the tanka editor of A Hundred Gourds from 2012-2016, she’s co-edited two anthologies and has judged haiku and senryu contests. 

One Man's Maple Moon: Old House Tanka by Susan Constable

English Original

night settles
into the cracks and crannies
of this old house --
I close my eyes to hear
the slow escape of secrets

Skylark, 3:1, 2015

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)
  
經由這個老房子
的裂痕和細縫
夜幕降臨 --
我閉上眼睛傾聽
緩慢逃逸的秘密

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

经由这个老房子
的裂痕和细缝
夜幕降临 --
我闭上眼睛倾听
缓慢逃逸的秘密


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. She co-edited the 2014 anthology for the Seabeck Haiku Retreat and is a co-editor for the 2016 TSA Anthology.

Butterfly Dream: Blacksmith’s Hammer Haiku by Susan Constable

English Original

sun on steel
the echo
of a blacksmith’s hammer

Haiku Canada Anthology: Comparing Tattoos, 2015

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

鋼鐵上的陽光
鐵匠錘子敲打
的迴聲

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

钢铁上的阳光
铁匠锤子敲打
的迴声


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. She co-edited the 2014 anthology for the Seabeck Haiku Retreat and is a co-editor for the 2016 TSA Anthology.

One Man's Maple Moon: Siren Tanka by Susan Constable

English Original

a siren
comes and goes …
somewhere
a mother hugs her newborn,
a man outlives his son

Eucalypt, 19, 2015

Susan Constable


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

警笛聲
來了又走了 ...
在某個地方
一個媽媽擁抱她的新生兒，
一個男人活得比他的兒子久

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

警笛声
来了又走了 ...
在某个地方
一个妈妈拥抱她的新生儿，
一个男人活得比他的儿子久


Bio Sketch

Susan Constable’s haiku and tanka appear in numerous journals and anthologies. Her tanka collection, The Eternity of Waves, was one of the winning entries in the eChapbook Awards for 2012. She co-edited the 2014 anthology for the Seabeck Haiku Retreat and is a co-editor for the 2016 TSA Anthology.