A deep tanka
eyes closed, I focus
downwards into meaning's depths
~experiencing~
hearing others burrowing
listening below surface
d’Verse Poetics
Prompt: The Print the Whales Make
The above tanka is my response to the d’Verse challenge to write a poem in the first person that compares some trait of ours with something animal.
It should not be a whale, but another creature (mammal, fish, bird, insect, etc.) with which we have something in common. The title should be the animal thing, in the same way Marjorie Saiser chose ‘The Print the Whales Make’.
The Skeptic's Kaddish 🇮🇱 
Wow. “downwards into meaning’s depths” ; that seems like an endless pit on most days. Wonderfully penned as always! Tankas seem really short but quite profound.
it always surprises me how much time I can spend putting just a few words together!
thanks, D ❤
-David
Sometimes we see the most with our eyes closed…
Yes. I do, at least.
I think I do too!
The first thing that came into my head was the old song ‘I am a mole and I live in a hole’! I enjoyed your view from an underground perspective, David. Moles have to listen carefully as their eyesight isn’t too good – like mine. I love the way you and the mole ‘focus downwards into meaning’s depths’.
Kim, I didn’t know of this song, but it’s cute and catchy! I found this version on YouTube:
Thanks,
David
Kim, I also found this song, called “More Moles” by Caspar Babypants:
Caspar Babypants! I hadn’t heard of this one, but listening to it now, I think my grandson would like this. It got me going!
Great one, David! ❤
Thanks, M Jay 💖
-David
Perfect analogy of a thinking poet and a word-warrior 🙂. Beautiful poem David!
💙 Deb 💙
The lack of one sense will sharpen the remaining ones… The blind mole hears even the grubs breathing!
Isn’t it amazing?
This is excellent David. Digging to the depth of meaning!
🧡 Rob 🧡
David–So hard to imagine what a mole’s life would be like. “Downwards in meaning’s depths” is an intriguing line.
Thanks, Judy❣️
Yours,
David
Massive awesome 👏
Awwww, thanks, Yassy!
❤
David
Welcome, David
💝
Yasmin
I sense it’s instinctual for you to dive deep. Nice tanka!
🤔 hmmnnnn… I have to think about that, Tricia!
🙃
David
Yes. Indeed. To listen deeply is so empowering. Lovely.
🤗 Worms 🤗
Without sight, our other senses shine. I’m thinking of all the times we close our eyes in order to dig deeper into something. That’s just right. (K)
🥰 Kerfe 🥰