such a hot day
my shadow needs to cool down
under the willow
Kyoshi Takahama
dappled sunlight on the grass
beneath all-embracing arms
Carpe Diem Tan Renga Wednesday #17 asks us to use
a haiku by Kyoshi Takahama (in blue) to create a tanka.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Carpe Diem #1671 Tan Renga – lightning flash asks us to use
a haiku by Bashō (in blue) to create a tanka.
lightning flash–
what I thought were faces
are plumes of pampas grass
Bashō
reflecting the many lines
forming on this aging face
Image source: ukiyo-e.org
Japanese Pampas Grass, by Kono Hairei
Carpe Diem #1668 Tan Renga – flower fragrance asks us to use
a haiku by Jane Reichhold (in blue) to create a tanka.
coming to sea cliffs
the off shore breeze raises
a flower fragrance
© Jane Reichhold
joined by rainbow of color
true delight for the senses
Image source: British Museum
Satta Peak, Coast of Oya-shirazu,
by Utagawa Hiroshige
Carpe Diem #1669 Tan Renga – white crane asks us to use a haiku by Kikaku (in blue) – written to comfort Basho shortly before his death – to be used to create a tanka.
How I wish to call
A white crane from Fukei
But for this cold rain
Kikaku
so little light to be found
when under such a dark cloud
Image source: Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Crane Flying over Wave, by Utagawa Hiroshige
Carpe Diem #1667 Tan Renga – Hibiscus Red
asks us to use a haiku by Raymond Roseliep (in blue)
to be used to create a tanka.
unable
to get hibiscus red
the artist eats the flower
© Raymond Roseliep
jam on toast for light breakfast
complimented with mild tea
Image source: Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Yellow Hibiscus, by Utagawa Hiroshige
Carpe Diem #1665 Tan Renga – “Miscanthus bud”
asks us to use a haiku by Matsuo Bashō (in blue)
to be used to create a tanka.
another year is gone
a traveler’s shade on my head,
straw sandals at my feet
Bashō
journey of inspiration
in lessons learned from strangers
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
from Yoshitoshi’s Hundred Aspects of the Moon
late summer
alone on the beach
with only tracks
© Jane Reichhold
leading away from the shore
to unknown destination
journey continues
following unknown footsteps
with new direction
traveler seeking answers
absent for many seasons
beyond falling leaves
lessons learned in falling snow
blossoms come and go
wind whispers in drying grass
all revealed on reaching home
The challenge for Carpe Diem #1664 Tan Renga Hineri “only tracks” is one with a twist (hineri). A haiku by Jane Reichhold (in blue) is to be followed by two lines, as usual. These must be followed by another haiku, and then another two lines – with the optional challenge of adding another haiku and two lines. In effect, it’s almost a solo renga, except for the first haiku by Jane Reichhold. As with renga, the last stanza (ageku) should lead back to the first (hokku).
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
(Wind Blown Grass Across the Moon, by Utagawa Hiroshige)
Carpe Diem #1663 Tan Renga – snap of an icicle asks us
to use a haiku by Kim Russell (in blue) to create a tanka.
muffled and silenced
the snap of an icicle
engulfed by fresh snow
© Kim Russell
new snow melt dripping from eaves
rabbit tracks passing beneath
Image source: unspalsh.com / Harris Malik
Carpe Diem #1662 Tan Renga – Watching a Snail asks us
to use a haiku by Chèvrefeuille (in blue) to create a tanka.
I bow to my master
Matsuo Basho told me the way
to watch a snail
© Chèvrefeuille
while hearing its silent voice
and nodding in agreement
Image source: The British Museum (cropped here)
Carpe Diem #1661 Tan Renga – Beginning of Autumn asks us
to use a haiku by Jane Reichhold (in blue) to create a tanka.
cricket silence
between scraping sounds
autumn begins
© Jane Reichhold
cooler nights and breeze of change
bringing sound of rustling leaves
Image source: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Maples at Mama, by Utagawa Hiroshige
