past a winter moon
a cat walks the tall wood fence
cold pains those who feel
it has no dominion
over those who must be strong
———
down through the dormant
morning’s cold rain soaks the stray
I offer my hand
startled, she draws blood then flees
not all in life can be tamed
———
the sun finds my neck
I awaken with its touch
human once again
I join myself on the path
spirit and flesh move . . . forward
© CLYDE FORDE
Your writing is beautiful…great to meet you
Thank you, that’s very nice of you! It’s great to meet you!
Thanks for liking my site. Like the tankas, give space to really place the meaning.
Dream states in sleep and waking are a unique challenge to capture. You have do so very nicely.
Thank you! I wrote these three tanka during the weeks that my son’s health was in crisis—you experience the world differently during such times. I was going to post them separately, but I noticed as I typed them out they were clearly part of a ‘whole.’ I’m pleased with how they look and feel together—and what they tell me about myself.
again… thanks for you lovely words. I love these three Tanka. So much true emotion. And you bring it all together in that last one. I love everything about that.
Thank you! As I explained in a previous comment, although I wrote these three separately – on different dates & at different times of the day – the same thing, life’s adversity & family concerns, were on my mind. As I typed them up from my notes I quickly realized they represented a ‘whole’ and should be presented that way. I’m glad you appreciated them!
oh.. n’ by the way… my friend’s surgery went well and hopefully, in the near future and after some chemo, she will find herself well again. Thanks for you kind words. We all need them. xo
Life throws some pretty harsh stuff at us, doesn’t it? Cancer visited our house a couple of years ago; things have been good since, but one is never quite the same.
I’m very happy that your friend’s surgery went well – I happy for you as well! I’ll keep you two in my thoughts & prayers.