Neena Singh
Drifting Sands
Emerald Palms Resort in Goa is lined by tall green palms. As we enter, the white Portuguese-style architecture and fountains welcome us. The last light leans briefly on palm fronds before slipping away. Far from the hustle-bustle and sounds of daily life, this seems like Paradise. A rehearsal for disappearance from home and its responsibilities.
golden sunset
sand cools my feet—
this letting go
the sky practices daily
without any regret
The beach changes while we watch the sun. Grain by grain, the shore redraws itself, indifferent to our awe or cameras.
Arabian Sea
each wave edits
the shoreline...
the beauty here
refuses to stay
Vendors pack away their colours. Two stray dogs romp about on the sand. The sun disappears as quietly as it arrived.
white sand—
sunset sold out early
only the dogs
and the tide remain
to end the day
I stand where water meets sand, unsure which part of me belongs to what stays, and what moves on.
shoreline—
between wave and sand
my shadow
longer than the day
that is gone
About the Author
Neena Singh lives in Chandigarh, India. She was shortlisted for the Touchstone award in 2021, and her haiku, senryu, tanka, and haibun have appeared widely in online and print journals. A former banker, she now runs a non-profit for underprivileged children and enjoys exploring gardens.
Hello Neena,
These are stunning Tanka, and beautiful flowing prose –rolling waves–your timing is precision as we as the reader can feel the progression of the day ….It is wonderful
Much Love,
All the Best, Karina
Dear Karina, grateful for your appreciation and so glad the tanka and prose resonated with you. It was my first attempt at this form of multiple tanka in the prose. Thanks to Jenny Ward Angyal for giving it a home.
Much love,
Neena