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The Monsoon Tango

7/29/2025

28 Comments

 
Hello, blog friends.

It's Tanka Tuesday, and today's host is Robbie Cheadle.  She invites us to write a syllabic poem using an implied metaphor. I've decided to focus on the weather.

In the high desert of Arizona, we've entered the monsoon season with its unexpected downpours, dramatic electrical storms, and high winds. Within minutes, a quiet morning can erupt with dramatic changes in temperature and phenomena. And...I love it! 🌞

My tanka poem attempts to capture the thrills of the season, and through metaphors, it hopefully communicates the delight.

My poem ~

Picture

Two weeks ago, I wrote about some Guinea pigs in a field near our home. They still munch and play happily, so I've stopped worrying about them. Very sweet little critters! 

And I mentioned seeing a large Javelina. Well, more have arrived, and they roam the area. ​It's a bit startling when you see one or several. Residents have to put up with them, because they are protected by law. From what I've been told, there is a hunting season January - March. But who would eat them?! Definitely, not me. 🙄
Picture
Have a great week, my friends. 🌞
28 Comments
Rall link
7/29/2025 18:01:46

Like the monsoon tango.... enjoyed this !

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 04:21:38

Thank you, Rall. 🌞

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Liz Gauffreau link
7/30/2025 06:05:45

Your poem captures the thrill of the monsoon season very well!

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Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 07:34:17

Thanks so much, Liz. Have a great day. 🌞

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Priscilla Bettis link
7/30/2025 06:27:35

A monsoon TANGO, I love it, and such an apt description!

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Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 07:34:57

Ahh, so glad you enjoyed that expression, Priscilla. Have a wonderful day! 🌞

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dan antion link
7/30/2025 06:37:41

I love watching thunderstorms, Gwen and you captured the spectacle very nicely. The Javelina is kinda cute. I'm not sure I'd want to eat it either, and I'm glad they're protected. Have a nice rest of the week.

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Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 11:23:33

I'm glad you enjoyed the poem, Dan. Thank you. As for the Javelina, I didn't know they existed, until I moved to this area. The baby ones are cute. 🌞

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Balroop Singh link
7/30/2025 08:39:57

A delightful and vivid poem, Gwen. Brilliant metaphors.

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Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 11:24:01

Thank you very much, Balroop. 🌞

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john howell link
7/30/2025 08:49:43

A terrific poem, Gwen. I'm with you on the Javelinas. Can't imagine eating one of those. Love that photo of the clouds. Glad those little Guinea pigs are doing okay.

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Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 11:25:48

Thank you, John. 😊 I keep tabs on the little Guinea pigs. They are so cute. As for the Javelinas...these days, I'm on alert because I don't want to run into one.

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Jacqui Murray link
7/30/2025 09:06:45

Maybe not aggressive if not poked? We can co-exist with Nature, can't we???

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Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 11:26:51

Might be the case, Jacqui. I know there have been attacks, but maybe the human poked them. 🌞

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Timothy W. Dittmer link
7/30/2025 13:06:45

Your poem sure describes the monsoon season exquisitely, Gwen. Enjoy the season.

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Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 18:28:50

Thank you so much, Tim. I'm all smiles. 🌞

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Thomas Wikman link
7/30/2025 13:19:12

It is a very atmospheric and beautiful poem. Clouds gather to dance is a beautiful starter. I wonder how a Javelina would taste. Like a wild boar maybe?

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Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 18:30:21

Thank you, Thomas. I'm so glad you liked the poem. As for the Javelina, I wonder too...but I can't imagine eating one. 🌞

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Yvette M Calleiro link
7/30/2025 16:15:49

I love your poem, Gwen! I have never seen a javelina, so thanks for the pictures!

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

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Gwen M. Plano
7/30/2025 18:31:26

Thank you, Yvette. I've seen several of them, and I try to avoid them. Often you can smell them before you see them....and it's not good. 🌞

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Marsha link
8/1/2025 11:34:02

Gwen, I never knew the javelina were protected by the law! Vince came home to about 9 of them between our condo and the condo next to us (about 10 feet of space.) He wisely didn't get out of the car until they decided to move on! Fun post and great poem. Reminds me of great times in AZ. :)

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Gwen M. Plano
8/3/2025 05:12:32

Oh gosh, Marsha, if I came upon that many javelina, I'd definitely stay in my car. I've seen three of them clustered when walking, but I quickly turned around and went the other way. They are unnerving. 🌞

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Robbie Cheadle
8/3/2025 11:40:31

A beautiful poem, Gwen. Thanks for joining in the challenge.

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Gwen M. Plano
8/3/2025 15:11:00

Thank you, Robbie. I always look forward to the weekly Tanka Tuesday prompts. 🌞

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Colleen Chesebro link
8/3/2025 13:35:22

Gwen, this is a fabulous poem. I loved “cloud dancing” and the “monsoon tango.” I remember those days very well. I hope the javelina don't cause any trouble. Be safe, and enjoy the rest of the summer. 💜

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Gwen M. Plano
8/3/2025 15:12:20

Thanks so much, Colleen. No worries about the javelina - I keep a careful distance. 🌞

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willow link
8/4/2025 14:14:06

I love your metaphor of the dance it's perfect..
I love the creatures too those Javalina too they look cute.... No doubt they are a nuisance, they are big and wild... But cute ...I love guinea pigs too 💜💜💜

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Jules link
8/9/2025 15:55:54

The sky is the dance floor for weather!

Those Javalina look like they are related to hogs/pigs. But I don't eat pork at all, so I woun't be hunting them either!

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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