#NaPoWriMo #GloPoWriMo 2024, Day 2
A gray pallor sets
Each time the city exhales
On walls, drapes once bright,
In homes where every sigh weighs
Heavy as the air outside.
© Aneesha Shewani
https://www.bluepenstrokes.comSummer Dreams
Throughout April 2024, I invite you to join me on a poetic voyage to celebrate the beauty of language, expression, and creativity—one Tanka at a time. Bookmark the category: Making Verse – NaPoWriM2024.
#NaPoWriMo #GloPoWriMo 2024, Day 1
My dreams sprouted wings
One alights on the window
In summer’s warm glaze,
Resting from a tiring flight
Beyond grasp, yet within sight.
© Aneesha Shewani
https://www.bluepenstrokes.comBlue Pen Strokes of April: Exploring Tanka Poetry for NaPoWriMo 2024
In 2023, I successfully participated in NaPoWriMo by writing verses inspired by book covers. You can view the collection of 30 verses in the category: Making Verse – NaPoWriM2023. Throughout April 2024, I invite you to join me on this poetic voyage. Together, we’ll traverse boundless landscapes, celebrating the beauty of language, expression, and creativity—one Tanka at a time.
April marks the arrival of National Poetry Writing Month or NaPoWriMo, where poets worldwide unite in the spirit of creativity and expression, “excited about the prospect of writing 30 poems in 30 days.” This year, I have chosen to explore the world of Tanka poetry and paint the canvas of April with the vivid hues of Tanka verse.
Characteristics of Tanka poetry
Tanka, a classical Japanese form closely related to haiku, weaves its magic through five lines. Its syllable pattern—5-7-5-7-7—creates a rhythmic dance of words. Yet, beyond mere structure, Tanka embodies several key characteristics that enrich its poetic essence.
- Syllable pattern: Tanka follows a predefined syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7.
- Themes: Tanka explores a wide spectrum of themes, from nature’s ephemeral beauty to the intricate tapestry of human emotions. Each verse evokes a specific mood or sentiment.
- Seasonal Imagery: Like haiku, Tanka embraces kigo—seasonal words or images. These transport readers into the heart of nature’s ever-changing landscape, where cherry blossoms bloom and snowflakes fall.
- Emotion: Within Tanka’s concise form, emotions flow freely. Longing, nostalgia, love, and melancholy find their voice, condensed yet potent.
- Pivot Line: The third line—the “pivot line” or “turning line”—acts as a bridge. It infuses the poem with nuanced depth, shifting our perspective like a sudden gust of wind.
- Symbolism and Metaphor: Tanka thrives on layers of meaning. Each word becomes a brushstroke, painting vivid scenes within its limited canvas.
- Immediacy: Tanka captures life’s fleeting moments—the dew on a petal, the touch of a lover’s hand. Each verse resonates with immediacy, inviting readers to feel, reflect, and connect.
A daily Tanka journey
In 2023, I successfully participated in NaPoWriMo by writing verses inspired by book covers. You can view the collection of 30 verses in the category: Making Verse – NaPoWriM2023. Throughout April 2024, I invite you to join me on this poetic voyage. Together, we’ll traverse boundless landscapes, celebrating the beauty of language, expression, and creativity—one Tanka at a time. Bookmark the category: Making Verse – NaPoWriM2024.
Book Review: Cat & The Dreamer
Mystery, melancholy, and a struggling protagonist in a novella that is a compelling read: Cat and the Dreamer by Annalisa Crawford
Book: Cat & The Dreamer
Author: Annalisa Crawford
Genre: Fiction
Review copy: BookSirens
Available at: Amazon.in
Recommended: Must read
Trigger warning: Death, bullying
Mystery, melancholy, and a struggling protagonist in a novella that is a compelling read
Cat and the Dreamer by Annalisa Crawford is a captivating read that deftly intertwines elements of mystery and melancholy. Crawford’s writing style is exquisite, drawing readers in with its expressive prose and evocative descriptions. “My dreams are always vivid, lurid almost, like an over-exposed photo. It’s how I know what’s real. Reality is tinted with a disappointing grey pallor, washed out, even when the sun is shining and the sky is cobalt blue, or golden leaves are falling from the trees.”
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Crawford’s character introduction and development. Readers are quickly drawn to Julie, the protagonist, intrigued by her mysterious aura. As an adult professional still living with her parents, her life circumstances pique interest. Julie is portrayed as self-conscious, burdened by the past, and experiencing waking dreams that blur the lines between illusion and reality, as she searches for “A Perfect Dream.”
Crawford expertly spins a storytelling web that captivates readers, keeping them engrossed until the very end. She presents a unique perspective through monologues, with references to the ‘cat’ that emphasize its wild traits over its typical feline cuteness. The book cover is a succinct portrayal of how Julie’s dreams are her escape portal.
Overall, Cat and the Dreamer is a slow-burn fiction that rewards readers with its engaging narrative and unfolding revelations. Crawford’s skillful writing and masterful storytelling make it a must-read for fans of literary fiction. The novel develops gradually, demanding the reader’s concentration, introspection, and appreciation of a poignant story told in a unique style. Importantly, the book sheds light on the complexities of adolescence, the impact of peer influence on young adults, and the burdens one can carry throughout life.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A writecult blog post for all who love to read and write
Are you an avid reader who loves to share your opinions on books? Do you want to write informative book reviews for other readers and authors? If yes, then you must read and bookmark this blog post.
Let’s Talk About Books: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Book Reviews
Blue Pen Strokes 