Tanka--By Anne Curran--New Zealand

smell of fresh
lawn clippings
in the school yard ...
a father plays ball
with his teenage daughter

___________________

some people I envy
others I don't ...
learning
to feel comfortable
in my own skin
___________________

speaking
of the dead and dying
tears flow freely ...
at fifty years old
the salt stings my cheeks
___________________

Anne Curran is a Japanese verse forms poet from Hamilton, New Zealand.  Anne has been writing poetry for about ten years with the encouragement of friends and family. She draws inspiration from the world around her. She has been fortunate to enjoy the wisdom of some fine editors and fellow poets.