Tempus Fugit

Today’s quest in Napowrimo 2026. The Tanka is an ancient Japanese poetic form. In contemporary English versions, it often takes the shape of a five-line poem with a 5 / 7 / 5 / 7 / 7 syllable-count – kind of like a haiku that decided to keep going.

Today, we’re challenged to write our own tanka – or multi-tanka poem. Theme and tone are up to us, but we should try to maintain the five-line stanza and syllable count.

I find Tankas often to be elusive and esoteric in form, so I tried to keep away from complexity and stick to a single narrative.

This was inspired by some research I did into the meaning of Victorian gravestone carvings and loss felt by many friends.

Your hourglass grew wings,
A flight so sudden and brief,
Black feathers flutter,
And their wake leaves winters grief.
Next Spring will have one less bloom.