tanka – One Woman's Quest

Lunar Presence

Bright, full moon night
I am mesmerized, smitten
project a portrait –
memory etched in shadow
I listen for her refrain

(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)

Positioned scapegoat
remind me why? This exile
arid, confusing –
did not create the chaos;
merely tried to rescue you…

(Tuesday, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)

Unquenchable thirst –
drink from the fountain of wild
yet plain, I remain –
sixty years of repressed fire
shall not be easily quelled.

(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter. Image my own)

Melancoly drags –
one young lovelorn foot stuck in
regret’s muddy path –
ignores what is near, mistakes
what if for what is. Tragic.

(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter. Image my own)

Dare I look for self
in cloud formations, as if
true essence dwells there?
Naturally, I search outward
afraid to find nothing within.

(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)

How the young sparkle
dreams of Santa’s arrival –
I drink of their cup
borrow the giddy whimsy –
Joy a welcome contagion.

(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)

This body fortress
stories untold, locked in cells
I am brick by brick
self-made, deluded – haunted
by expectation’s ruins

(Tuesdays I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)

Physical distance
no remedy for dark past
those childhood bruises
etched on old bones – solid as
the house that bore them witness.

(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)

Castles and lockets:
the makings of childhood dreams –
I wander pastures
of blue-tainted memories,
see patterns on regret’s wings.

(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @ Vjknutson. Image my own.)

Sacrifice belies
original plan – the young
overlook fine print
sign up for adventure -war
renders them heroes – souls torn

(Today, we remember those who have fallen – heroes of war.
Photo mine)