Home » cho 16:1 | April 2020 » Tanka Prose: A Perfect Circle

John Zheng

A Perfect Circle

At sunrise, I unfolded the map on the camp table to mark the road to the Blue Ridge Parkway. As the marker winded along, I spotted Mingo Falls! Only a few miles away. How did I miss that?

view at an over-
look—a passion flower
in full blossom
for itself
for an overlook

I packed up and headed to the falls. The rugged trail meandered up along the creek. As I stepped onto the small wooden bridge, the sun, like a naughty boy, sprinkled light-droplets on me.

quiet dawn
a bird’s loud call
here and there
sunbeams
through woods

In summer 2018, on my way to Sapphire, North Carolina, I revisited Mingo Falls. The sun hid from rain, and the wooden bridge was no longer there. 

dark night
a shooting star
flashes out
a sound sleep
without dream

About the Author

John Zheng has authored Enforced Rustication in the Chinese Cultural Revolution and published haibun and tanka prose in cho, Haibun TodaySouthern Quarterly and Spillway

Leave a Comment