just this morning
the first magnolia buds
opening—
my mother’s unwed initials
on the suitcase she brought east

—

Issue 11.3 | 16 November 2011

10 Responses

  1. Alan Summers Says:
    November 16th, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Terrific!

    Good decision to have the dash after opening so it's not an overt pivot line.
    Simply wonderful tanka, and one I've enjoyed reading a few times already.

    Alan, With Words

  2. Hannah Mahoney Says:
    November 16th, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    Thank you, Alan, for taking the time to comment. So glad it sustained a few reads — that's a lovely compliment!

  3. Linda Long Says:
    November 16th, 2011 at 11:13 am

    my first time ever thanking someone for writing something I truly appreciate reading.
    Heartfelt thanks,
    Linda

  4. Hannah Mahoney Says:
    November 16th, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    Thanks so much, Linda — that's very touching to hear.

  5. John McManus Says:
    November 16th, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    Excellent work Hannah. I absolutely love this tanka.

  6. Hannah Mahoney Says:
    November 16th, 2011 at 4:43 pm

    Oh, thanks, John!

  7. Allison Millcock Says:
    November 16th, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Beautiful!

  8. Ken Slaughteer Says:
    November 18th, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    I just discovered this, Hannah, and keep rereading it. Another I wish I had written!!

  9. martin1223 Says:
    November 30th, 2011 at 5:49 am

    clouded sky
    between the branches
    crab apples

  10. Ellen Grace Olinger Says:
    December 14th, 2012 at 10:15 am

    Lovely–there was a magnolia tree on the street where my mother lived for decades. Best wishes, Ellen

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