The Versesmith

  The  W aka   is a 5-line Japanese poem which is sometimes confused with the tanka.  Both have a 5/7/5/7/7 syllable structure, however the W aka's lines are arranged in a particular way.  The first 2 lines make up one piece, the second 2 lines another, then the final line can be part of the second group, or stand on its own.  W restlers I (there is another I call W restlers II ) was painted in 1960 by my father, W in Smith. as in ancient G reece the three men wrestle naked the early morning sunrise seeps through open doors shadows dance on the gym floor ©202 6 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved  

    The Waka is a 5-line Japanese poem which is sometimes confused with the tanka.  Both have a 5/7/5/7/7 syllable structure, however the waka's lines are arranged in a particular way.  The first 2 lines make up one piece, the second 2 lines another, then the final line can be part of the second group, or stand on its own.  Sunlit Garden    The tiny green sprouts struggle though the hardened soil.   Sitting in the sun I watch the goldfinches drink.   The cat jumps up for a nap.   ©2021 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved