Award-winning author, Suzanne Burke, has presented a photo prompt for which everyone is invited to write a short story, poem, or one-liner. Join the fun and time of creativity.
This week’s photo prompt brought several ideas to mind, but I chose a poem in Tanka form. This is a Japanese style that consists of 31 syllables, divided in 5-7-5-7-7 format.
THE EMPTY SADDLE
THE BREAKING OF DAWN
OF YELLOW, GOLD, AND PURPLE
PAINTED BY GOD’S HANDS
SYMBOLIZED NEW BEGINNINGS
AFTER A STORMY, SAD NIGHT.
THE EMPTY SADDLE
WHERE SHE ONCE RODE HER HORSE, BABE
WITH ME BY HER SIDE
IS NOW SLOWLY LED HOMEWARD
WITHOUT THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.
I STAYED BY HER SIDE
I HELD HER COOL AND FRAIL HAND,
I KISSED HER SWEET LIPS
THEN SAID GOODBYE TO MY LOVE
ALWAYS TO LIFE IN MY HEART.
WITH EACH NEW SUNRISE
I GAZE UPWARD, SIGH, AND PRAY
FOR STRENGTH AND COURAGE
TO LIVE EACH DAY WITHOUT HER
‘TIL MY SADDLE IS EMPTY.
I invite you to go to Suzanne Burke’s website, learn about this amazing woman, become a follower of her blog, and buy one or more of her books. I highly recommend each and every one of them. https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/
I enjoyed writing this poem inspired by the beautiful photo prompt. Your comments are welcome and appreciated.
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 
Really beautiful, Karen. Great use of the prompt!
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Thank you, Jan. The photo prompt was so beautiful and easily brought forth several ideas.
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That is so sad and yet so touching, Karen. You really captured the mood of the photo.
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This photo prompt brought out many emotions in me. Thank you, Mae, for your kind comment.
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Such a sadly beautiful poem, Karen. I really felt it.
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I was feeling a lot of emotions as I wrote the poem. This was a very powerful photo prompt. Thank you for commenting, Denise.
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This is such a moving Tanka, Karen. Thanks so much for again taking part. I have just featured this on my site. ❤
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Soooz, it is always a wonderful experience to participate in the Fiction in a Flash Challenge. Thank you.
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❤
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Poignant and powerful, Karen. ❤
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Bette, thank you.
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What a poignant last line! “Till my saddle is empty.” Thank you for sharing this lovely poem, Karen. ❤
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Thank you, Gwen. I’m glad you liked this poem.
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