A tanka is a form of Japanese poetry that consists of 31 syllables (5-7-5-7-7). Tanka poems usually focus on topics such as love, nature, seasons, and friendships.
Line 1 – five syllables
Line 2 – seven syllables
Line 3 – five syllables
Line 4 – seven syllables
Line 5 – seven syllables
Student tanka poem from the 2011 Young American Poetry Digest
Gentle swaying tree
Artistic display of light
Moonlit leaves of green
Unimaginable scene
Makes my young heart leap with joy
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Tanka Poetry Resources