This tanka is about a Japanese woman and a Buddhist Monk who are in love but can't have a sexual relationship. The full-time ordained Buddhist monks and nuns follow a strict celibacy commandment.

Tanka is a Japanese unrhymed poem with 31 syllables arranged in five lines; English tanka is 31 syllables or LESS because Japanese and English syllables are different. Tanka originated in the 6th century at the Japanese Imperial Court where lovers exchanged tanka poems for each other after a night of passionate lovemaking. With contemporary tanka the topic varies.
click here if you want to read modern tanka examples click here if you want to read modern tanka rules

Inspired by 'The Ink Dark Moon' - Love Poems by Ono No Komachi And Izumi Shikibu, Women of the Ancient Court of Japan

Thank you for reading and reviewing my poem.

Gypsy

Pictures from my Pinterest account. The poem and presentation by Gypsy Blue Rose (c) copyright 11/22/24

Japanese poets have sough``1t to capture the essence of nature in their words, using vivid imagery and sensory descriptions to evoke a sense of awe, tranquility, and harmony. This deep connection to the natural world not only reflects the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Japanese people but also fosters a sense of unity with the environment

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