Tanka Practice: an invitation ~ poetry and self-reflection

Eight poets share tanka poetry written as part of a self-discovery practice. Commonly written as a five lined poem, tanka is an ancient form of Japanese poetry that pre-dates haiku. The author describes tanka practice and invites the reader to begin their own. By writing tanka in the morning and then again in the evening, the poet works to clarify and deepen his or her perception. Primarily a collection of tanka poetry written with this purpose, Tanka Practice also sets in relief the discoveries of eight friends who chose a life of mindfulness.