passing strangers
on a rain-drenched road
we turn back
to ask their stories
. . . finding only mist

10 Responses

  1. Ellen Grace Olinger Says:

    Lovely poem.

    family restaurant
    we know each other
    by our smiles

  2. harrisfr Says:

    Our stories are often only available to share before change alters the moment. And if we do not see through the mist to the story when the opportunity presents itself, it does often evaporate and disappear. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of sharing stories and hearing hearts as they speak. These stories make us bigger and wider and deeper in the sharing! Turning back is seldom possible; for even the turning back is a new beginning.

  3. seaviewwarrenpoint Says:

    A striking reminder for this reader to 'seize the day'. Very nice.

    marion

  4. Alison Hedlund Says:

    Spooky. Life is full of mystery and you remind us here!

  5. jennyangyal Says:

    Thanks, everyone, for reading, and for your thoughtful comments!

    –jenny

  6. haikuapprentice Says:

    Congratulations Jenny, and thank you for sharing this with us.

    It was literally quite a shock to me to read a tanka after so many weeks of shorter form haiku. Rather than capturing an experience, I was struck by how much more story-like the 5-line poem is, and how it offers a different set of opportunities for raising and exploring situations and thoughts. And this is a perfect example.

    Across the 5 unpunctuated lines, there are so many ways of reading this, so much to ponder and muse. I am so glad Tinywords gave us the weekend to ponder it over!

    Thanks again Jenny, for a really great poem.

    Strider

  7. jimdelay Says:

    Lovely vision. I'll remember it for a long time. Thank you.

  8. Janet Says:

    Love the layers in this tightly written tanka – and so relatable. Wonderful.

  9. Alan Summers Says:

    Dear Jenny,

    I enjoyed your tanka very much, and loved 'rain-drenched road'

    warm regards,

    Alan

  10. kalaramesh Says:

    Most poignant, Jenny. Your L5 is unforgettable and well placed.
    _kala

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