Tanka Writing Roundtable • Fall 2009
Dr. Randy Brooks

Changing Seasons

by
Brianna A. Martin

Introduction

The first semester at Millikin University has proved to be an extraordinary learning experience both inside and outside of the classroom. The studies of a broad range of different subjects, meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures, and being away from home have expanded knowledge and understanding of the world on many levels.

Dr. Brook’s tanka roundtable class has introduced a new form of poetry to a small group of students this semester. The tanka has succeeded in being the most popular form of Japanese poetry for a total of 1200 years. Our class has learned to express ourselves in this form of poetry. The tanka poems written in this class was the inspiration for this chapbook. The book is titled Changing Seasons because it expresses different thoughts and emotions felt throughout the four seasons of this year. A long list of changes is experienced by a child becoming a young adult.

late night prayer
I wonder
if He hears me
a million other people
calling His name

photographs
I see your smile
and smile back
wishing
you were here

weeping willot tree
I see your branches
fly free
a summer breeze
must be wonderful