Creative Writing: Tanka

A Tanka is a type of Japanese poetry from the seventh century, similar to Haikus.  They usually express a mood, thought, or feeling, typically about nature or love.  Originally it was a thirty-one syllable poem written in a single unbroken line.  However, a variation on this form is a type of tanka that contains five lines following a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern.  Although this variation still has the standard thirty-one syllables.

The bitter chill bites
at my face, devours my soul,
in its gaping maw,
while the snow obscures my sight.
I do not know the light's warmth.