This is for Frank’s Haikai Challenge #4, which invites us to write a haiku, tanka, haibun, or similar form of poetry, using the word “darkness.” I wrote a somonka, which is made up of two tanka and usually has love as a theme. Usually, somonka are written by two people, but I wrote both halves of this one.

Light shines in darkness,

Reflected in your kind face,

You are moon and stars.

Nights elongate this season,

Opportunities to shine.

May love redeem us.

Fight with me against despair,

Uniting our hearts.

May we like leaves be willing

To let go, showing our hope.