Poetry and Creative Writing for All

Tanka

Well, have I got a treat for you. You are going to put together a tanka using a simile, about either the sky or the sea (or both). It is not as tricky as it sounds. Have a look at the explanations below - and then give it a try!

Tanka

A Tanka is a Japanese verse form consisting of five lines with a syllable count of ( 5, 7, 5, 7, 7 ) or 31 syllables in all.

Imagery is important when constructing a tanka, but it doesn’t need to be as obscure as a haiku.

Simile

A Simile is a comparison that uses some linking word (like, as, such, how) to make the likeness clear. A simile generally sounds more casual and less emphatic than a metaphor, providing a physical bridge linking two things.
 

Submission Guidelines: The address to send your tankas to is: Tanka, Forward Press Ltd, Remus House, Woodston, Peterborough PE2 9JX
Please remember to write your name and address on each piece of work you send.

Alternatively, you can email us your poems: inbox@forwardpress.co.uk (Please include your name and postal address.)

Top