Poetry Challenge: Tanka Tribute/Reto Poetico: Tributo Tanka

November Poetry Challenge

This month’s poetry challenge is linked with an important November holiday in Mexico and throughout Central and South America, Día de los muertos. In our household each year we honor international figures in politics, history, art, science and social change. (en español abajo) I post paperboard gravestones in their honor for All Soul’s Day, known in Spanish as Día de los muertos. Every time, there are so many more deserving of recognition than I can represent. These are the gravestones from this year:

Tanka Challenge: Tribute Poem

Choose someone who has passed away in the last year, from your own life or a public figure to commemorate with a tanka poem. The syllable count per line is 5-7-5-7-7.

Tanka Example (If only it were an Exemplary Tanka ; ):

She’s notorious
woman of the Supreme Court
no fear, she dissents
wearing a white lace collar
if Constitution challenged
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, miss you.

–Rebecca Cuningham, 5 November 2020

So happy to see new poet followers to Fake Flamenco. Ever think of entering one of the writing challenges? Here is a personal invitation. I’d like you to contribute a poem this month. You have five days to write five lines. Sharpen your pencils, start counting your syllables and create your special tribute! Extended – Poems are due 8 November 12 midnight Chicago time (GMT-6) Thanks, Rebecca

Reto poético de noviembre en español

El reto poético este mes está ligado con una celebración importante de noviembre en México y por centro- y sudamérica, Día de los muertos. Cada año en nuestro hogar honramos a figuras internacionales en la política, la historia, el arte, la ciencia, y el cambio social. Produjo un cementerio de cartón en su honra para el Día de los muertos. Hay tantos que merecen estar destacados, pero cada vez hay más de lo que yo puedo representar. Arriba están las fotos de las losas de este año.

Traducción del Ejemplo de una Tanka (ojalá si fuera Tanka ejemplar ; )

Desafiante
juez de corte suprema
collar de encaje
sin miedo a conservar
derechos en las leyes,
RBG te echamos de menos.

–Rebecca Cuningham, 5 noviembre 2020

Reto poético tanka: Poema de tributo

Escoge a alguien que se ha fallecido en el último año, de la vida personal o una figura pública para comemorar con un poema tanka. El esquema de un poema tanka es por sílabas: 5-7-5-7-7

Estamos muy felices ver el número de socios poetas nuevos de Fake Flamenco.¿Piensas entrar uno de los retos poéticos? Te brindo una invitación personal para participar; quiero que contribuyes un poema este mes. Tienes cinco días para escribir cinco líneas. Sacate punta, cuenta tus sílabas y crea tu tributo : ) La fecha de entrega extendida es 8 noviembre 12 medianoche (GMT-6). ¡Gracias! Rebecca

Rebecca Cuningham

11 thoughts on “Poetry Challenge: Tanka Tribute/Reto Poetico: Tributo Tanka

  1. Rebecca I really admire this tradition and it is a great way to teach and educate the young (and old) and secure a sense of belonging as the past is recognised, the present is cherished and the future protected. Reference the challenge:

    SEAN CONNERY

    James Bond you were,
    A man who would be King there
    in the fields and sands,
    Afghanistan and London
    were better for your charm yes!

    My greetings and my congratulations! Your countrymen and women have elected the right man! Thank God! We are ecstatic here in Europe!
    All the best,
    Francisco

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for your comments and the tribute poem, Francisco. As I work, I look out the windows of my home office and see people walking by reading the gravestones. As for our pres elect, a spontaneous parade of cars with Biden/Harris signs began around our Madison capitol Saturday afternoon!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We’re very happy here in Europe and wish all the best for your country Rebecca and your idea is smashing! All the best!

        Like

  2. Listo amiga, espero estar a tiempo.

    Promesa eras
    Desde el día que nació
    Testigo fuiste,
    De su abrazo de madre
    Que sigue siendo mi hogar

    LVR, Te amamos siempre

    Liked by 1 person

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