The Author's Journey

1/21/2026

Hello blog friends,

I hope you've had a great week thus far. I've been busy with guests and fell behind in my reading. Like many of you, I have a Kindle clamoring for attention. Thinking about those books, I've dedicated this week's Tanka poem to writers.

Melissa Lemay offers the prompt. It's an unusual one in that contributors are asked to create their own syllabic pattern. I've written four stanzas of six lines with 4-5-9-9-4-3 syllables.

To each of you -- thank you for the journey. ❤️

And indeed, I honor you. Blessings to one and all.

28 Comments

shaun link

1/21/2026 20:56:41

This write is simple but rich with feeling, the closing line lands with gratitude. Nicely done 👏

Gwen M. Plano

1/22/2026 06:27:10

Thank you, Shaun. I'm pleased you liked the post.

Yvette M. Calleiro link

1/22/2026 03:59:22

Gorgeous poem, Gwen! I love it!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

1/22/2026 06:27:57

Thanks so much, Yvette. It was a fun challenge to tackle. 😊

Jacqui link

1/22/2026 08:09:19

I get "falling behind"!

Gwen M. Plano

1/22/2026 09:41:03

Yep, it's very real. Thanks, Jacqui, for the understanding. 😊

Priscilla Bettis link

1/22/2026 08:31:22

A wonderful, poetic tribute to writers and their books!

Gwen M. Plano

1/22/2026 09:40:28

Thank you, Priscilla. I'm pleased you liked it. 😊

Dan Antion link

1/22/2026 09:05:22

Wonderful poem, Gwen. I know what it's like to have the weight of that Kindle hanging over me.

Gwen M. Plano

1/22/2026 09:40:00

It's a precious burden, isn't it? I'm determined to finish a couple novels this weekend. I'm glad I'm not the only one -- thank you, Dan. 😊

D.L. Finn

1/22/2026 10:31:35

What a way to honor all out future reading journeys, Gwen :) xo

Gwen M. Plano

1/23/2026 09:19:26

Thanks so much, Denise! 😊

John howell link

1/22/2026 14:47:46

A terrific poem, Gwne. To honor writers is a fabulous idea. 😊

Gwen M. Plano

1/23/2026 09:23:40

Thank you, John. I think of writers as a big family. We read for the story but also to get to know our family. 😊

Liz Gauffreau link

1/22/2026 15:01:55

I really enjoyed how your poem moves to the ultimate affirmation of the writer!!

Gwen M. Plano

1/23/2026 09:24:08

Thanks so much, Liz. 😊

Timothy W. Dittmer link

1/22/2026 18:44:43

Wonderful poetry to writers, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

1/23/2026 09:27:59

Yesterday I met a Vietnam Vet while doing some physical therapy. Because of your books, I could envision what he disclosed about his injuries. Encounters like this make me grateful for writers. 😊

Thomas Wikman link

1/22/2026 23:22:18

I loved this poem "The web you spin entraps and cradles while entangled characters wrestle through the give and take of life" that's how I felt about the author whose book I read today. It is what authors do

Gwen M. Plano

1/23/2026 09:29:01

Thank you, so much, Thomas. We're a big family of sorts. 😊

Teagan R Geneviene

1/23/2026 06:33:12

Gwen, your poem is absolutely wonderful. It made me want to write! Thank you for making the image of it, which allowed me to read it clearly. (I don't like to say anything, but you deserve an explanation for my absence. Due to an issue with my vision, I can barely make out the text on your blog. It looks extremely pale to my eyes, and trying to see it quickly because painful. I apologize.) Hugs.

Gwen M. Plano

1/23/2026 09:30:48

Thank you, Teagan. I'm so so sorry about your vision. My website is ancient, and I really really need to "fix" it. Sending hugs...and love.

Annette Aben link

1/24/2026 16:46:31

a beautiful tribute

Jan Sikes

1/24/2026 17:09:14

What a beautiful to the authors, the weaver of words and stories, Gwen. I love it so much!

Freya Pickard link

1/26/2026 00:51:35

Thank you for this lovely poem, Gwen! Very encouraging!

Ange

1/26/2026 05:58:18

I get that feeling - described so well Gwen, beautifully done ❤️

Paul Cannon link

1/26/2026 06:54:12

A delightful tribute to writers and writing Gwen.

Colleen link

1/26/2026 16:41:44

Gwen, this is stunning writing. I love the flow of your words. The end refrains are so meaningful! 🌹

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