Sunday, November 17, 2013

Creating Stillness

Here is my second attempt at trying to write a Tanka, for the weekend challenge.   I applied form this type-five lines with syllables, to evoke a memory.  The first one is all about my time with my grandparents.  Once a week, I was invited to have tea with them-a special time for me.   Their view was aligned by the sea, roses and their bird feeders.  Red Rose tea was served daily, but at our tea party a loose blend was steeped and served with special homemade cookies or muffins.



Steeped sea green pearls
warmth overcomes salty mood
swirling thoughts linger
portal of calm opens heart
fragile red rose hips remind me



© Ellen Wilson





 Yellow hearts climb high
their tiny arms fragment their dreams
hope planted in sepia
reaching kite blue tail's cast off string
embracing wings for last dance



© Ellen Wilson







 Hello Ruby flower
your exotic petals float
 Sun is joining us
dear sit near Peter by sky blue glories
your tea has sunflower's smile.


© Ellen Wilson




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28 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 17, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    these are all soooo lovely, Ella! and they all have the perfect serene aura that tanka traditionally evoke. i love the back story about tea with your grandparents, too. wonderful memories for you!
    ♥

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    1. EllaNovember 18, 2013 at 9:03 AM

      Thank you dani! Yes, I would do chores and mid week be invited to tea. My grandparents lived at the end of our street, before the cottage road and the town wharf. Two streets connected into a horse shoe, by the bay. I wrote a few poems about our tea parties. They both gave me wonderful memories~ <3

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  2. Susie ClevengerNovember 17, 2013 at 6:46 PM

    gorgeous....the second is my favorite!

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    1. EllaNovember 18, 2013 at 9:00 AM

      Hi Susie
      I do have a better photo, but couldn't find it...so went with this one!
      Thank you~

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  3. AnonymousNovember 17, 2013 at 10:57 PM

    love that 3rd photo, Ella! We don't get redbirds like that where I live. I favor the 3rd verse, as well. ~ M

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    1. EllaNovember 18, 2013 at 8:54 AM

      I was stunned to see him on my deck, near my door. I went to grab my camera and he actually came closer?! My grandmother loved birds and her favorite color was red-when I see one I always think of her. Thank you M~ The North Caroline blue birds intrigue me-

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  4. Kerry O'ConnorNovember 18, 2013 at 3:41 AM

    I feel you went to great lengths in each tanka to create a sense of stillness. Being a tea drinker myself, the first was particularly soothing to me, and oh! for a sight of that ruby cardinal one day....!

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    1. EllaNovember 18, 2013 at 8:57 AM

      Kerry, thank you! I know-my deck has magical qualities. I have seen a rabbit, this cardinal, a weasel yes on my deck . I did see a river otter on my lawn and had three deer under my tiny apple tree. I do have black hair and been called Snow White. No bears yet...

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  5. NatašekNovember 18, 2013 at 7:14 AM

    i like the stillness and all the colours. the second one in particular.

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    1. EllaNovember 18, 2013 at 8:58 AM

      Hi Natasa-Thank you! I had fun with this one. I thought about them bungee jumping, but preferred them swirling up towards wings and dancing down wind. *smiles

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  6. MarianNovember 18, 2013 at 8:16 AM

    soooo pretty, so calming, nice!

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    1. EllaNovember 18, 2013 at 8:59 AM

      Thank you Marian! I am craving a cup of calm ;D

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  7. HelenNovember 18, 2013 at 10:11 AM

    Ms. Ella ... you are beyond inspired. Beautiful tanka ~~ again!

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    1. EllaDecember 2, 2013 at 1:36 PM

      Thank you Helen! I love seeing a cardinal-this close was unreal :D

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  8. brudbergNovember 18, 2013 at 11:45 AM

    very serene... love the second one in particular

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  9. Sherry Blue SkyNovember 18, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    Fabulous photos as always. I LOVE the one of the cardinal - we dont have them here. Love your art photo at the top.....what a beautiful memory of teatime with your grandparents. I remember my times with my Grandma so dearly.

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    1. EllaDecember 2, 2013 at 1:47 PM

      Thank you Sherry! I know your grandmother was special to you-so was mine! I wonder now what birds you see that I don't?! I know Puffins are big in Maine..do you have them in your neck of the woods?

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  10. MaryNovember 18, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    Just love all of them, Ella. My favorite..the one with the cardinal. I liked 'your tea has sunflower's smile.'

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    1. EllaDecember 2, 2013 at 1:48 PM

      Thank you Mary! Gosh I remember commenting and then had a computer glitch...sorry I am so late! Thank you yes sunny cups of tea always brighten our day~ :D

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  11. HannahNovember 19, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    You have such a touch with nature, Ellla, birthing magic from what one might consider ordinary. Beautiful as always! ♥

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    1. EllaNovember 25, 2013 at 7:17 AM

      Thank you, as do you! @>------------- I hope you are doing well Hannah-I think of going home. We will have to plan and meet! You are kind-I hope you win the poetry contest! ATB SS

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  12. GraceNovember 22, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    Very lovely to read this morning Ella ~ Your tankas are exquisite and that 3rd picture is just awesome - I don't get to see those birds in our area ~ Have a good Friday ~

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    1. EllaNovember 25, 2013 at 7:16 AM

      Hello Grace, yes he is a charmer~ It was stunned to see him first on my table, then on my deck. Thank you so much! I hope you are doing well~

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  13. Yolanda RenéeNovember 22, 2013 at 4:01 PM

    I love the red bird, we have them too and so beautiful, but even the robin is gorgeous! Red in nature is too lovely and always has a special meaning.
    Wonderful!

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    1. EllaNovember 25, 2013 at 7:15 AM

      Yes, red reminds jolts our attention-kinda like a passionate kiss. Ok, maybe not that much...lol Thank you Yolanda!

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  14. Brian MillerNovember 30, 2013 at 5:35 AM

    ha. i like the tea with sunflower smile...a bit of sun feels good as well....i like the hope in climbing vine...the beautiful ordinary

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    1. EllaDecember 2, 2013 at 1:49 PM

      Hi Brian!
      Yes, there is much beauty to be seen and cherished in the ordinary!
      Thank you so much~

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