passing strangers
on a rain-drenched road
we turn back
to ask their stories
. . . finding only mist
Published by
Jenny Ward Angyal
Jenny Ward Angyal lives on a small organic farm in Gibsonville, NC, USA, with her husband and one Abyssinian cat. Her tanka have appeared in various online and print journals and may also be found at www.grassminstrel.blogspot.com
View all posts by Jenny Ward Angyal
10 thoughts on “”
Lovely poem.
family restaurant
we know each other
by our smiles
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.
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!
Lovely poem.
family restaurant
we know each other
by our smiles
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.
A striking reminder for this reader to 'seize the day'. Very nice.
marion
Spooky. Life is full of mystery and you remind us here!
Thanks, everyone, for reading, and for your thoughtful comments!
–jenny
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
Lovely vision. I'll remember it for a long time. Thank you.
Love the layers in this tightly written tanka – and so relatable. Wonderful.
Dear Jenny,
I enjoyed your tanka very much, and loved 'rain-drenched road'
warm regards,
Alan
Most poignant, Jenny. Your L5 is unforgettable and well placed.
_kala