Comment from Teri7

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your second attempt at writing a tanka. I did not see anything wrong with it myself. That is a very interesting plant. You used very good words and very good imagery with the art work. Keep writing my friend! Blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2018

Thanks very much, Teri. They are quite amazingly resilient things. Cheers, Craig

Comment from Mustang Patty

Excellent

Hi, Craig,

Wow - I learned a whole bunch of new words from this one. 'Serotiny' and 'scathefire' are only the beginning. We have several forest fires each year in the mountain range between Portland and the shore. It is so sad to make the drive to the coast when there has been a fire. The dark slash through the green lush is disconcerting.

Thank you for sharing another word, and have you checked out the notes Jim (Pantygnt) includes with his Tanka poetry? From what I understand that pivot line in the middle is the most crucial - and I think you nailed it in this poem,

~patty~

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2018

Thanks very much, Patty. I'm not sure if I have seen Jim's notes. I have seen Gloria's, and they were most helpful (perhaps they are one and the same? (The notes, not the people)! You're quite right about it being a sad thing to see. It's not only the fauna, but the forest is home to so many animals as well. Cheers, Craig

Comment from bichonfrisegirl

Excellent

Hi Craig,

Those seed pods kind of look like hazelnuts. I've never seen a Banksia plant before. Isn't nature amaaazing?! It's incredible that this plant can survive a fire and it actually self-protects by releasing seeds to that it can start all over again.

I've never attempted a Tanka. Kudos to you for trying something different, Craig. I enjoyed learning about a new plant as well as your word for the day ... scathefire. Well done! ~~ Connie

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2018

I'll look forward to your first tanka, Connie! Many thanks for the lovely comments - Craig

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written Tanka about the indeginous plant Banksia that.is hard to destroy with fire and their seedsvare just as hardened as the plant itself.

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 Comment Written 29-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2018

Thank you for the kind words, Sandra. Most grateful, Craig

Comment from catch22

Excellent

Hi Craig, I enjoyed reading this tanka, which felt more in line with the things I've read about this form than the other tanka of yours I reviewed. You used strong concrete images in the upper half of the poem and the pivot changed the focus from the individual plants to the species as a whole being resilient. Very clever use of the pivot and great word economy as well. Nicely penned.

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 Comment Written 29-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2018

Thanks, Pam. Yes, I agree. After pondering a few comments on the last one (including your most helpful observations) , I thought it would be worth spending time becoming better acquainted with the form. I'm glad you think this is a better example, hopefully they'll continue to improve :) Many thanks, Craig

reply by catch22 on 30-Jun-2018

You're welcome. It is much improved!
Your effort is paying off.