Tree Tanka XVI

A new series inspired by the many trees I have photographed over the years. Here I am combining some of those photos with Tanka poetry. Each poem is composed for a particular photograph and is an ‘imagined’ poetic verse from the tree itself, speaking directly to the times we are living in right now.

One of the oldest Japanese forms, Tanka (A Short Song) originated in the seventh century, and quickly became the preferred verse form in the Japanese Imperial Court.

Tanka’s economy and suitability for emotional expression made it ideal for intimate communication.

One of the oldest Japanese forms, Tanka (A Short Song) originated in the seventh century, and quickly became the preferred verse form in the Japanese Imperial Court.

Tanka’s economy and suitability for emotional expression made it ideal for intimate communication.

Each of the Tanka in this series are woven into a single intimate thread and these will in time become a Trilogy of Books.

A song of the trees.