Years of nurishment
Rhododendron blooms purple
Crowning Glory
Each flower uniquely shines
Just like each of us
*****
You my dear surpass all others
Blooming beauty shines within
Love for all to share
Beautiful gray hair reflects
Your outer Crowning Glory
*****
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Today’s poem is written as a Tanka, the third five line Japanese poetic form shared on d’Verse this week. .
Tanka enjoys a long history in Japan. Originally known as waka (short song), the 5-line verse poem was the medium of literary exchange during the Heian era, the golden age of ancient Japanese culture. Courtiers and emperors alike composed them. Lovers would often share their devotion through the exchange of them.
The second stanza of the poem above reflects the true intent of the tanka.
