Each week, award-winning author Suzanne Burke provides a photo prompt from which we are invited to write a one-liner, short story, or poem. Everyone is welcome to participate.
This week I wrote a Tanka poem, which is a Japanese form of poetry with 5, 7, 5, 7, 7 syllables. I hope you enjoy this week’s entry.
THE BINDER IS OLD JUST AS I AM ALSO OLD WE ARE BOTH WORN OUT TATTERED, TIRED YET EMBRACED BY STRAPS OR YOUR LOVING ARMS. OUR SKINS ARE WRINKLED TORN, FRAGILE, SCARRED, YET HOLDING US TOGETHER WHILE HIDING SECRETS, LIES, AND DREAMS NEVER REVEALED TO OTHERS. NOW THAT I HAVE PASSED, ONLY GOD’S JUDGEMENT MATTERS BUT I PRAY YOU WILL LOVE ME WITHOUT CONDITION ACCEPTING MY HUMANNESS. READ THE WORN PAGES KNOWING THEY COME FROM MY HEART WHILE BARING MY SOUL SO YOU WILL KNOW WHO I WAS STILL LOVING, ACCEPTING ME. WHEN YOU CREMATE ME, DO THE SAME TO THE BINDER PUTTING OUR ASHES IN THE GROUND OF THE OAK TREE TOGETHER, FOREVER MORE.
If you have not yet visited Suzanne Burke’s website and purchased one of her books, I encourage you to do so. One of my favorite books are “Empty Chairs” written under the pseudonym of Stacy Danson. https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/
Thank you for visiting my blog today. I appreciate any and all comments. And, if you are not yet a follower, I invite you to become one by simply clicking on the box in the upper right corner.
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 
This is so beautiful, Karen! Well-done!
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Thank you, Jan, for your comment. I’m glad you liked the Tanka.
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As the others have said, Karen, this is moving and powerful. And that ending…the image of the ashes joined together under the oak tree, really struck a chord.
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The oak tree is the perfect place for the ashes. If I could, I would have my ashes there. I am glad you liked the Tanka poem, Mae. And thank you for commenting.
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A powerful piece, Karen…
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Thank you, Bette.
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Some things should never be said outloud. What a moving poem, Karen. I do those words should go with tbe writer. Xo
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I believe there is a part of me in everything I write, even when the piece is fictional. Thank you, Denise, for commenting.
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Karen this is such a moving and deeply thoughtful Tanka. Thanks so much for taking part again. I have just had the pleasure of featuring it on the Challenge site. 😊
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Soooz, thank you for featuring this post on your site. This photo prompt brought forth a lot of ideas and emotions.
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Thank you again for taking art, Karen. The emotion shines through in this poem.
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Happy to be a participant.
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Beautiful, dear Karen. I love the imagery–so powerful and so tender. ❤
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Thank you, Gwen. Your comment means a lot to me.
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