Reaching for Stars, tanka prose

Posted on by Colleen M. Chesebro

I’m going to attempt a trifecta… three prompts combined to make one poem.

First, I have Carrot Ranch at the 99-word story prompt (write a story using the phrase, water falls. Where is the water coming from? How does it shape a story? Who does it involve? Go where the prompt leads! Submit by April 16, 2022).

Second, is #TankaTuesday, writing tanka prose.

Third, is the dVerse prompt (Your poetry challenge: From any of the sources mentioned, choose an image that speaks to you. Let it guide you on your poetic journey wherever that may lead. Any theme, any style of poem) using an image from Vika Muse.

So, this will be tanka prose comprising 99 words featuring the artwork of Vika Muse and using the words, “water falls.”

© Vika Muse: Instagram @get.muse She is also featured on this website http://www.inprnt.com

Reaching for Stars

Alone in the cocoon of my dreams, I listen for the murmurs of the marsh fairies. For now, is not the time to be all in my head. I must also listen to my heart. Here, I fish for stars—those promises shimmer in starry pearlescence beneath the water. I stretch, grab, and fail, but I never stop trying.

hot tears—water falls 
in the autumn of our years
farewell songs explain
dreams together fade away
a slow ripple on the pond

Reconciliation feels elusive. I’ll follow you anywhere or leave you behind. The choice is up to you.

© Colleen M. Chesebro

Vika Muse In her own words…..”I was a web designer for about 13 years. But I wanted to be an artist in my childhood and didn’t have support from my parents. So now I’m trying the new direction and improving my skills every day. The main subject matters are usually nature, landscapes, fantasy art, and fairies. I’m a self-taught artist.” Vika Muse: Instagram @get.muse She is also featured on this website http://www.inprnt.com.

69 thoughts on “Reaching for Stars, tanka prose”

  3. A wonderful blend of form. I absolutely love the “murmurs of the marsh fairies” and “I fish for stars—those promises shimmer in starry pearlescence’. It is such a stunning painting and I’m so glad someone chose it. Obviously it spoke to you!

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  18. Some choices are easier than others. May we all continue to reach for the stars, in the sky or reflected in water that fall… (((Hugs)))

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  19. The manner in which you triple task, is quite impressive, Colleen. Typically, two is my limit…

    What I am specifically interested in, is how your write a Tanka. I have no experience with this form, and after witnessing your presentation, I am thinking I might give it a try. The meter confounds me, but I can get past that… I am from the South. Here, we can get three syllables of the word, “Hey!”

    Happy Easter Weekend.

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  24. Love this, Colleen 🙂 I’m always searching for fairies and fishing for stars!

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