I recently wrote this poem for my youngest son, Rupert. He sent me this photograph after riding to the top of one of the hills on the Sussex Downs.
A Tanka is an extension to the 5-7– 5 syllables of the Haiku, with two final lines of 7 syllables each that change the direction of the poem.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE ARROW BUTTON ABOVE TO HEAR THIS TANKA
Renewed, your old bike
takes you to the vantage point,
where you see clearly
the joy that was, far below,
and the road to now follow.
Dear Martin
I hope your bike gives a smoother ride than your ditty!
Ivor
Me bike
Me bike is still just fine
I’ve had it a long time
It’s the way it’s been looked after
I used to go much faster
Than I do today
I got it when I was only ten
Could hardly reach the pedals then
It cost twenty seven pounds
From a shop in Maidstone town
It knows it’s way these days
To the pub and back
I shall never give me bike away
Or sell it off for scrap
Hope you like my little ditty !