Tanka: Bidding Farewell, Hoping They Arrive Safely


Harvest moon–lady,
bestows her silky calm light
for the pathway home.
Blinks to the downwash-upwash
of birds self-taught in design.

© selma

Tanka consist of five units usually with the following pattern of on (often
treated as, roughly, the number of syllables per unit or line):5-7-5-7-7

Decorative divider png sticker illustration

The quintessential intelligence of birds’ V formation: mooching off each other’s airflow.
National Geographic teaches the amazing trick birds flying in V formation use.
Wow! Wishing them a safe return or visit to warm climes.

We, homo sapiens, are amazing too.
But perhaps we could learn how our energy is an asset because,
like the birds, it’s not rocket science.

First published in 2022 on this website

The Harvest Moon of September: I will leave the silky lamp on for you tonight.
Be sure to look up. (We get clouds tonight of all nights, but were able
to enjoy this beautiful sight last night) So, there’s that.

But please remember to turn off all other lights: This is my third year with this
plea. If you have time, check out a post from 2021

First published in 2021 on this website.

Have a gorgeous tsukimi (moon viewing) from Colleen’s list: moon (tsukiall autumn).
Thanks so much for reading.

Selma Martin
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This Post Has 19 Comments

  1. beth

    a lovely wish for their safe travels

  2. Sadje

    A beautiful poem and sentiments

      1. Sadje

        Most welcome my friend

  3. rajkkhoja

    Beautiful & interesting written for The Harvest Moon of September: I will leave the silky lamp on for you tonight.
    Very nice write poem & nice picture.

    1. Selma Martin

      So happy you enjoyed what I put together today.

      Happy Eid- Milad-e-Nabvi! Right? I hope so. Forgive if I’m wrong.
      Happy moon gazing.
      Blessings.

      1. rajkkhoja

        Ameen!
        You are right Selma!
        Thank you so much! Same to you.

  4. Cindy Georgakas

    This is so beautiful Selma❣️ I feel the peace when reading it.

  5. memadtwo

    It’s not rocket science–thank goodness! Beautiful captures. (K)

  6. LuAnne Holder

    Beautiful images, beautiful words, beneficial information. Thanks, Selma. I thoroughly enjoyed your post.

    1. Selma Martin

      You’re my bestest. Thanks for liking this. It’s my absolute pleasure. Happy new month. 😁

  7. Anonymous

    Love the illustration of geese and the exquisite tanka, Selma! <3

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