Poetry in Motion Poems

Tanka

Celebrating the First Day of Ridvan

Beside the driveway
white blooms respond to the wind,
we are those flowers
inhaling the breath of God
on the First Day of Ridvan.

Line count: 5
Form: Tanka – one of Japan’s oldest forms consists of five lines with 5-7-5-7-7. The first two lines present an image or mood and the third line shifts to a related idea (sadness, love, the shortness of life, or the seasons). This form can use metaphor or personification.

About this Poem: Ridvan is the celebration of the Declaration of Baha’u’llah. It is twelve days from April 21 to May 2 and the first, ninth, and twelfth days are Holy Days.