Grace, over at Real Toads, has given one of her inimitable challenges, (and that is definitely the right word for it), to compose a series of no less than three tankas, which are five lines with syllable counts of 5-7-5-7-7, with a turning point between the upper phrase and lower phrase.
I was quite pleased to have managed one, but decided to try for three and see what happens.
When cares weigh down my
shoulders like an albatross
till I nearly fall,
I raise my old eyes, seeking,
to the glory of the skies.
*** *** *** ***
Horses drink deeply
at the trough of fulfilment
then turn to their oats
with pleasure - never let them
see the carrots in your hand.
*** *** *** ***
Snow falling outside
covers the cedars with lace.
All thoughts of spring are
put back on the shelf until
the groundhog appears again.
*** *** *** ***
By George, I think I've Got It!!!
