blog reflections - Fiction and life . . . from the desk of Gwen M. Plano

Swaying Elegantly - A #TankaTuesday Poem

7/6/2023

Hello dear blog friends,

Author Colleen Chesebro offers an unusual prompt for this week's Tanka Tuesday. I think you'll enjoy trying this one. As a first step, she invites us to find out what type of tree we're aligned with, according to Celtic Tree Astrology. Who knew there was such a thing, right? Once we know our tree, we're to write a syllabic poem and include it. You can find your tree sign here.

According to Celtic Tree Astrology, I'm a Hazel tree. To be honest, I don't think I've ever seen a Hazel tree, but I love its hanging fruit. I've read the description, and it does sound a bit like me. So who am I to question the methodology. 😊

Colleen is brilliant in keeping folks interested in writing syllabic poems. Even novices like me enjoy the exercise of writing and the pleasure of conveying a truth through verse. Maybe you'd like to try too.

Wishing you cool breezes during these very warm days...

All the best to you, Gwen

31 Comments

Daniel antion link

7/7/2023 04:47:29

That's lovely, Gwen. I looked it up, I am a Reed - "The Inquisitor." I am a curious sort, but I'm not sure I could express that in a syllabic poem. I do enjoy the work of others, like yourself, as they rise to Colleen's challenge. Well done.

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 05:46:17

Thanks so much, Dan. The Inquisitor - I like that! Celtic mythology is foreign to me, but this was a fun exercise. 😊

JILL A WEATHERHOLT link

7/7/2023 04:53:50

I enjoyed your lovely poem, Gwen. Of course, I couldn't resist taking a look. I'm a Holly tree. We have a few on our property. They are quite prickly. :) Have a great weekend. xo

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 05:47:52

It's a fun exercise, isn't it? Hollys are prickly, but so beautiful, especially since they herald the Christmas season. ❤️

Vera Day link

7/7/2023 04:56:42

The hazel tree is my favorite winter tree because of the way its branches are contorted. Without their leaves, they look like balls of lace. Nice poem, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 05:49:29

Thank you, Vera. I've seen photos of their contorted branches, and like you mention, they look like lace. 😊

Liz Gauffreau link

7/7/2023 05:21:02

I don't think I've ever seen a hazel tree either!

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 05:51:08

Aww, I'm not alone. Thank you, Liz. From what I've read, they only live in certain areas, obviously not the areas we've lived in. 🤗

Jan Sikes

7/7/2023 06:00:46

What a lovely poem, Gwen. And who knew there was a Celtic tree for each of us. I, too, am Hazel. Love this!

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 07:56:37

I thought of you immediately, Jan, because I know your BD is a few days apart from mine. Glad you liked the post! Thank you. 😊

Tim Dittmer link

7/7/2023 06:49:53

Beautiful, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 07:56:55

Thank you, Tim. 😊

John Howell link

7/7/2023 10:28:07

A very sweet poem, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 16:38:34

Ahh, thank you, John. 😊

Jade Li link

7/7/2023 11:44:24

I like your gentle poem and agree that Colleen keeps syllabic poetry fun and interesting with her prompts.

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 16:39:20

Thank you, Jade. She keeps us inspired. 😊

Colleen Chesebro link

7/7/2023 12:23:44

Gwen, I didn't know filberts came from hazel trees! How cool is that? Your tanka is just lovely and gave me a big smile. 🌳

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 16:40:00

Thank you, Colleen, for you kind words and the inspiring prompt. 🤗

D. Wallace Peach link

7/7/2023 17:38:09

A beautiful poem, Gwen. I didn't know filberts come from hazelnut trees, and I don't think I've seen one either. You did wonders with your tree. <3

Gwen M. Plano

7/7/2023 20:52:12

Thank you, Diana, for the support and kind words. 😊

Karen Ingalls

7/8/2023 10:24:40

A wonderful poem, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

7/9/2023 10:23:20

Thank you, dear Karen. ❤️

AJ (Ange) link

7/9/2023 10:49:10

The Hazel is a beautiful tree - lovely to watch in the breeze 💞

Gwen M. Plano

7/9/2023 18:08:25

I hope to see one soon, AJ. It sounds lovely. ❤️

sally cronin link

7/10/2023 05:20:40

How lovely Gwen.. and I am a Rowan Tree.. interesting.. ♥

Gwen M. Plano

7/10/2023 10:51:07

It's a fun exercise, isn't it? Thank you for stopping by, Sally. Hugs. 🤗

Roberta Eaton Cheadle

7/10/2023 10:59:53

This is lovely, Gwen. I would not call you a poetry novice. I read up about your tree, and its a keeper.

Gwen M. Plano

7/10/2023 15:48:12

Thank you, Robbie. I think it's a keeper too. Thank you for the kind words. 🤗

Luanne link

7/11/2023 11:55:30

Wait. Hazelnuts are from hazel trees? How did I never think about this before? How wonderful! Lovely poem, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

7/11/2023 14:18:07

Thank you, Luanne, for your fun comments and kindness. 🤗

Selma

7/17/2023 05:24:19

Wishing you cool breezes on these very hot day, Gwen.
I adore your poem. Though I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Hazel tree. Your words made me fall in love with it. Xoxo

Swaying Elegantly - A #TankaTuesday Poem

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