Comment from tempeste

Excellent

Original way to postpone a tedious yet urgent job.


Good thing books can't talk cause I'm sure they would be voicing their disapproval.

Being squashed under so much weight or bent will damage their bindings and crack spines.

A true book lover would never leave their beloved books in such a state.

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Apr-2025

Thank you. I think you may have focused a little too much on the picture, which didn't accurately convey what I wanted here, much-loved, much-read and WELL-TREATED books! And no tedious job required because my books just stay that way. Who wants to tuck them away on a dusty shelf where they'll be forgotten!?

Steve

reply by tempeste on 13-Apr-2025

I re-read your poem .. you say you would never scold them for lying down in disorder because they are friends and happy where they are.

I thought that was an original way to avoid putting them away saying they are happy to be scattered .

But the truth is
No book would be happy to be scattered .. it ruins them and it shows the owner doesn’t really care for them .. it’s like those that turn the edge of a page .. no true book lover would do that. ( wink)

I hope you are enjoying your Sunday 🌴

Take care !🍀

Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary

Excellent

Steve,

This is a great Tanka poem for the contest. It appears you followed all of the requirement. It's great that you think your books are your friends. Through books we can go anywhere we want to. Great picture. Fits the poem nicely.

Cecilia

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Apr-2025

Thanks, Cecilia. Sorry for the late reply. Yes, books are better friends than some people.

Steve

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I think one would expect an attrition of friends, and possibly run the risk of being bereft of any friends, at least with books, they have no feet so they walk not, they have no hands so they throw stones...not. Beautifully written Steve, good luck, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Apr-2025

Thanks, Roy and apologies for the late reply.

Steve

reply by royowen on 13-Apr-2025

Most welcome Steve

Comment from Harry Craft

Excellent

Yet another poetry format I have not seen. However, I enjoyed reading this poem and the photo sets the poem off very well on the subject too. Good Luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Apr-2025

Thanks, Harry. FanStory is awash with poetry formats. At least this is a tried and true one, the Japanese version at least having been around for hundreds of years.

Steve

reply by Harry Craft on 14-Apr-2025

You are so welcome Steve!

Comment from Marilyn Hamilton

Excellent

An excellent entry for the Tanka Poetry Contest. I never thought of books this way before but it's true...for a book lover they really are our best friends. And if they scatter all over our house it's merely because they feel comfortable with us! Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Apr-2025

Thanks, Marilyn. Sorry for the late reply.

Steve

Comment from ~Dovey

Excellent

Hi Steve!

I think your books have been hanging out with my books. The last line is perfect. They really are our truest friends.

Wishing you all the best and good luck in the contest.

Kim

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Apr-2025

Hi, Kim!

Thanks for the lovely review and apologies for the late reply.

Steve

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Lol. I like your use of personification of the books! Good books that we treasure become like friends. But I think different bibliophiles may order their books differently without chiding them!
Best wishes in the contest!

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 13-Apr-2025

Thanks, Helen and apologies for the late response to your review

Steve

Comment from jessizero

Excellent

I think you did a great job with this poem! You got the syllable count right for the contest, and your personification of your treasured books were wonderful. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 13-Apr-2025

Thanks, Jessi, and apologies for the late response to your review

Steve

Comment from nancyjam

Excellent

Oh they look so comfortable! I hate to say it but my books have a tendency to relax too much too, but i wouldn't scold them either.
Great Tanka. Wonderful word choice throughout. Good luck in contest.
Nancy

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 13-Apr-2025

Thanks, Nancy, and apologies for the late response to your review

Steve

Comment from Chrissy710

Excellent

Ha Ha Steve
This made me laugh as just yesterday i began rearranging my bookshelf so most of my books at the moment are disorganised and waiting to be sorted out (in neat rows and author titles lol)
i read every day and agree they are like your friends so many adventures
Your Tanka is a good read too
best wishes for a top place in the contest
Cheers Chris

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2025

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reply by the author on 13-Apr-2025

Thanks, Chris and apologies for the late response. I'm sure it won't be long before your ordered books become relaxed again.

Steve