A tanka poem is a kind of Japanese poetry that follows a simple syllable method. 🗒Tanka poems are similar to haiku poems, but they are a bit different. For example, tanka poems have 5 lines, while haiku’s only have three. In this post, I will be explaining how to write a tanka poem, and hopefully, (if you don’t already know), a new kind of poetry will be introduced to you!😊

SYLLABLES AND LINES

Unlike other kinds of poetry, such as limericks, tanka poems do not need to rhyme. 🙂They follow a series of lines and syllables. Tanka poems have 5 lines, and on each line is a specific number of syllables you should have. The syllable pattern is this: 5 7 5 7 7. The first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7, the third has 5, the fourth has 7, and the fifth has 7.

TRIAL AND ERROR

Trial and error is needed in tanka poems (so I’ve found😀). When you finish writing a line, make sure to go back over it and check if you have the right amount of syllables. You may find that you’ll have to tweak it a bit, but in my opinion, that’s all part of the fun!

WRITING TANKA POEMS

Now your ready to start writing tanka poems! Just in case your still a little stuck, here are some examples of ones I wrote.😆

Teetering on edge,

Spellbound by the melody,

Can’t think strait or see,

Wondering what way is up,

Before I slip and let go.

Flowers dotting fields,

Summer breeze enticing me,

It’s warm and gentle,

Bee’s buzz by, their busy and free,

My eyes close so I can dream.