Roberta Writes – Esther Chilton’s writing challenge: Light #poetry

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Esther’s challenge this week is light. I wrote several poems about light for inclusion in Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka and I decided to share my favourite of these poems for Esther’s challenge.

Painter’s challenge (garland tanka)

Anguish reflected

But not absorbed by water

Which also soaks up

Essence of trees and buildings

For serene contemplation

***

Natures pain entrapped

Within deep, inky waters

No amount of tears

Ruffling its exterior

Can change on-going flow

***

Many lives ended

Sinking into death’s embrace

Silent and secret

Water does not pass judgement

Gleaming countenance unchanged

***

Interplay of light

Old Man River stays focused

Moody sky tantrums

Painter tries to replicate

Scene perfected by nature

***

Black, white and silver

Shot through with green and auburn

Captures canal’s soul

Embalming in acrylic

Turbulent natural conflict

***

Anguish reflected

Within deep, inky waters

Silent and secret

Painter tries to replicate

Turbulent natural conflict

Picture caption: Amsterdam Canal. Acrylic painting by Robbie Cheadle

Picture caption: Cover of Sunflower Tanka designed by Colleen M. Chesebro using my oil pastel artwork. You can find out more about Colleen’s services here: https://colleenchesebro.org/my-services-unicorn-cats-publishing-services/

Sunflower Tanka, edited by Robbie Cheadle & Colleen M. Chesebro, is an annual anthology of contemporary tanka, tanka prose, & experimental tanka from a broad mix of new and established poetic voices from across the world.

Our theme, “Into the Light,” draws inspiration from the way a young sunflower bud constantly turns to face the sun. Poets delved into the realms of death, love, and the natural world, capturing their human experiences in the timeless form of syllabic poetry.

Contributors to the first edition of the Sunflower Tanka: Suzanne Brace, Yvette Calleiro, Kay Castenada, Luanne Castle, Robbie Cheadle, Colleen M. Chesebro, E.A. Colquitt, Melissa Davilio, Destiny, Tamiko Dooley, Lisa Fox, Cindy Georgakas, Chris Hall, Franci Hoffman, Marsha Ingrao, Jude Itakali, JulesPaige, Kenneth, MJ Mallon, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Lisa Nelson, D. Wallace Peach, Freya Pickard, Dawn Pisturino, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Aishwarya Saby, Reena Saxena, Merril D. Smith, Nicole Smith, Ivor Steven, Ben Tonkin, Trilce Marsh Vazquez, Cheryl Wood.

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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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