Richard Grahn
Snapshots
It’s hard to believe you’re not here. Seems like yesterday we were laughing at stupid jokes, not taking life too seriously. I found an old picture of you in a box and recalled something you used to say: You’ll always have what’s in your head. Now the trail we blazed through our mountains leads me back to your laughter.
a glissando of chirps from the land of dreams casting spells . . . as bones rattle the forest whispers I rise again a simple reminder to cradle each moment to listen before it's gone
About the Author
Richard Grahn creates sculpture, painting, music, photography, poetry, and prose from his apartment in Evanston, Illinois. Creativity is his peace.
I really like the way you’ve done the tanka in this touching piece which leaves me wondering who this person was but knowing that they were wise and full of laughter.
At first I thought – what’s this a 10 line tanka? How can that be possible in this often too rule bound form. Yet it’s 2 tanka – each alternate line can be read as a verse or each line read as a 10 line poem.
How clever is that? I wouldn’t mind giving it a go if that’s okay with you. And I love ‘a glissando of chirps’. I’ll be looking out for more of your work, Richard. Thank you.
Oh, thank you, Liz. By all means, give this a whirl. The idea came to me after being exposed to Johannes Bjerg’s parallel haiku works. There are differences and similarities but what I like about this is that it can be read in three ways. I’ve got to believe someone has done this before. I just haven’t seen it yet. Thanks again, Liz. 😉