moon no longer full
there is less light in the world
when a friend passes
This senryū is my response to Colleen Cheseboro’s #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge #219: #specificform, which asks that we write a haiku or tanka on any subject. While mortality has been an occasional subject in my poetry over the years, it seemed to become more of a recurring theme once I reached Medicare age, three years ago. What can I say? People around me are getting older. I’m getting older.
Images
Wikimedia Commons – Heron at New Moon, by Ohara Koson
Waning gibbous moon, Jefferson City Missouri, 01 April 2021
This will serve as my poem for Day 1 of National/Global Poetry Writing Month,
in case I don’t meet the challenge at napowrimo.net.
~ Day 1 ~
rivrvlogr 
Reblogged this on Frank J. Tassone and commented:
#Haiku Happenings #1 (4/1/21): Ken Gierke’s latest #senryu for Colleen’s #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge and #NapoWrimo2021/#GloPoWriMo2021
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Thanks for sharing this, Frank.
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My pleasure, Ken! 😇
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When a friend leaves us, there is a gap that cannot be filled.
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So true. Thank you.
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You’re welcome Ken
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Truth. (K)
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Sigh.
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Nice write, ken. Welcome aboard the SS Oldie, sailing away…
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Thanks, Ron. As long as she keeps up steam, I’ll be fine.
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So true, Ken.
My husband learned, too, a few months ago, that reaching Medicare age brings you a host of unwanted mail and phone calls while you try to deal with the bureaucracy of applying.
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The insurance spam/mail/ads never stop. Thank you, Merril.
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Yes there’s lesser light in the world when anyone you love passes. Beautifully put.
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Thank you.
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Letting go of friends is part of the life package. Good to honor the departures as turning points in our own paths. I read this and immediately saw the face of a friend/mentor who passed back in September – thanks for helping Cliff flash through to me. Can no longer sit and chat with him, but his presence hovers.
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For some, that seems the only way it can be. Thank you, Jazz.
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Lovely, senryu Ken. It memorializes Sue Vincent’s passing, as well. We all feel this loss deeply in our community. ❤
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Thank you, Colleen. ❤
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Yes, I feel that.
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It can be as unique as any emotion, yet universal. Thank you, Paul.
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So true too, yes indeed, that’s the beauty of your lines.
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I see it too. The dimming of the lights. I’m so sorry about what happened. So many people are talking about Sue. I didn’t know her but I’m teary eyed at this. Be well, Ken and all of you.
I’ll sit in silence with you for as long as you need…
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Thank you for your thoughts, Selma.
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I read it once before already. Loved and liked. Then now returned to Mr.Linky and read it again. Lovely. Thanks for sharing it here.
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❤
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Pingback: #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY STARS | Specific Form: #Haiku & #Senryu – Word Craft ~ Prose & Poetry
This is lovely
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🙂 Thank you.
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