Tanka Poetry

Tanka Japanese Style of Poetry

Tanka Poetry:  Tanka is an ancient style of Japanese poetry that speaks to the modern soul.  These poems date back to the 1300's. When people first discovered Tanka poetry, they realized the emotional significance by reading poems and writing their own. Tankas have 31 syllables and they have lots of expression and musicality. The Tanka is Haiku. It consists of 5 lines for a total of 31 syllables. The syllables per line are according to the pattern 5 -7 -5 - 7 - 7. 

Poetry has always been a love of mine.  My mother has written poems all of her life.  My first love of poetry came from listening to my mother's poems.  I could feel her emotion in her words.  I found that poetry allows my soul to speak in ways that express my true feelings.  The Tanka poetry is Haiku style, but allows more words/syllables.  Below is a poem I wrote in Tanka style.

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Go with me today

And hear my heart speak to you                  

With an open mind.
My beliefs, my love, my pain

They are mine alone, not yours.

I will share with you

But not give away my soul

To become what I am not.

I am me and you are you,

But love we share together.

by Steph Drake - April 25, 2012

That Phenomenon Known As Facebook.

Reposted from Facebook Notes - February 11, 2010

Facebook is like a snapshot of your life. It shares daily moments in time with all those whom you care about. In my case, I only add people to my Facebook who I have actually had dinner with; either in a school cafeteria, or out on the town, or at my home, or a family reunion, or...just if we are related, etc. There are a few exceptions, but mostly I stick to the rule of "dinner."

Since both our sons and their families live far away, this (FB) gives us a conduit without long interruptions in our busy lives. It allows us to visit and know all is well with the world. Sometimes, of course, sad news comes our way, but that too is important to know so that love and prayers and concerns can be given. I love hearing about my grandkids and am always excited to see new pictures and hear how they are doing. Bob and I try to keep our kids updated on what we are doing and show them things that are happening in our lives (so they know their ancient parents are still kicking...Ha). FB really has made our world a little smaller.

Bob and I also live in Florida and have "NO" family near us. Most of our family is in Indiana, with some in Illinois, our sons in Kansas and Japan, and other relatives scattered all over the USA. So, Facebook is like a comfy room where you can say "Hi" and know if you are  lonely you can pop in for a second to visit and see what everyone is doing. I have loved reconnecting with friends from our past! I miss the "good old days" sometimes and am thrilled that everyone that I see on Facebook is doing ok!! I am hoping that the future brings some real face to face reunions and I am grateful to Facebook for helping us reconnect!!!

I don't do much game playing on Facebook, although I did in the beginning. But now,...spending time on Facebook is like having a chance to share our lives with you and you allowing us to share your lives. I love seeing how people think, what is new in their lives, what is sad, and what is going to be happening in their future. Thanks for keeping us as your friends and letting us into your lives! It is great saying hello and being a part of the Facebook Family. That is why I love Facebook.