
at the top of the world, white clouds kiss the sky winds exhale the soft breath of the goddess— Gaia rests at the top of the world, heaven meets the earth at center 'tween stars and moon, darkness falls— Spirit calls at the top of the world—rebirth! Gilgul spins in search of the highest form of virtue— Nirvana © Colleen M. Chesebro
This week for #TankaTuesday we used an image from David at the Skeptic’s Kaddish. Here are my instructions: This is a photo of David’s father. Please be aware that he is no longer with us. David dedicated his blog to his father’s memory. You can read more about his journey HERE. With that being said, take a deep look at this photo. Don’t describe what we all can see. Look into the camera lens… what do YOU see? What is revealed to you? Now, write your syllabic poem.
I apologize for any liberties I took with anyone’s particular religious beliefs. My heart was full of poetic inspiration. I meant no disprespect. As many of you know, my own belief system comprises many theories, and I often mix them all together, as I did in this poem.
According to myjewishlearning.com, “Gilgul is a concept that is described in great detail throughout the Kabbalah. Very much in line with samsara, which is often depicted as a wheel in Buddhist art, the word gilgul comes from the Hebrew root meaning “to spin.” The soul, in the kabbalistic view, spins onward through a great many bodies, striving after a higher form of perfection.”
What do you see beyond the camera lens?


I love the information you shared about Gilgul, Colleen. I use a similar concept in my fantasy series. I found your poem to be beautiful. Every stanza made me smile. 🙂
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Thanks, Yvi… all I could think about was being at the top of the world and seeing creation and rebirth. I love this stuff, you know? LOL! ❤
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Beautiful, Colleen. This is the first shadorma sequence that I’ve encountered and your verse fit it perfectly. I love the progression of images. All encompasing and life-affirming. 💗
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Thanks, Gwen. Kerfe is the shadow a sequence queen. She showed us that this form as a sequence is so powerful. I like writing them in threes.
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This is evocative! What a talent you have for crafting syllabic poetry. Sis! ❤
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Thanks, Sis. It took me a few days. Some days the words just won’t come out right. 😂💜
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Beautiful!!
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Thank you, Ruth. It’s such a great photo! ❤
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❤️
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Beautiful Sis and hopeful. ❤
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Thanks. It’s kind of a mishmash of beliefs but somehow it all works together. ❤
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❤
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Absolutely beautiful, Colleen! 💕🙂
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Thanks, Harmony. I appreciate your thoughts. ❤
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I like the repetition at the beginning of each stanza. Beautiful response. (K)
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Thanks, Kerfe. The photo felt like a momentous moment had been captured. ❤
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This is just gorgeous! I love the repetition at the beginning of each stanza! ❤️
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I wanted it to feel like a hymn or something really special. Thanks so much, Franci. ❤
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My pleasure, Colleen! ❤️
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I love reading and learning about different religious beliefs. 🙂
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I do too. I think it helps us connect to other people and cultures. 💜
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I looked up Gilgul before seeing your interpretation; GILGUL (Heb. גִּלְגּוּל; ” transmigration of souls ,” “reincarnation,” or “metempsychosis”). There is no definite proof of the existence of the doctrine of gilgul in Judaism during the Second Temple period. In the Talmud there is no reference to it (although, by means of allegoric interpretations, later authorities found allusions to and hints of transmigration in the statements of talmudic rabbis).
I think quite a number of people take what they like best about various faiths and apply it to their liking. And personally the only time that becomes an issue is when one believes ones view is better than or the only way. I enjoyed your verse, especially since it taught me something new. Thank you.
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Thanks Jules. I meant no offense with the use of the word. I was looking for an equivalent to “rebirth” and I knew there was something similar in the Kaballah. I approach most things in life from a Buddhist and Pagan perspective, but wanted to add another layer. I’m not a student of Judiasm, so that is why I shared my source for the word Gilgul. I don’t believe any view is better than another, rather, I shared three different perspectives. ❤
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No offence taken on my part. I am becoming more of a ‘Humanist’ (if that is the correct term) daily.
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I like that: humanist. The Dalai Lama says his religion is “Love.” I can get on board with that too. ❤
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💜
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Colleen, you continuously inspire me with your poetic brilliance. This is fantastic.
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Thanks so much, David. This photo felt so special-magical. Thanks again for sharing your father with us all. 💜
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🤍
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When the search ends and the goal is attained, a new journey begins. This is inspiring, joyful and hopeful.💜
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Thanks, Willow. I feel like that is our live journey. ❤
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Yes I do agree 💜
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Beautiful as always Colleen and hopeful of things to come…♥
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Thanks, Sally. That photo was something special. ❤
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♥
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A beautiful poem, Colleen. So uplifting and inclusive. Thanks for the explanation too, which added a whole other layer of meaning. The responses have been sublime for this one.
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I wasn’t sure how that photo prompt would go, but everyone embraced the magic in the photo (and David’s father). This was some of the best poetry. I was so proud of everyone. ❤
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It was so touching, Colleen. This community has a big heart.
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I think so too! It makes me happy, that’s for sure. 😀 ❤
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