Bloodshed in three states in a week. Over twenty-nine dead in two cities within twenty-four hours. Three mass-shooters: only one alive and under arrest.
The arguments begin. The ones that insist military-grade weaponry belong with the military versus the ones screaming, “Don’t touch my guns!” A President of the United States that tweets “It’s the media’s fault,” before he addresses the nation to stiffly condemn white nationalism. An address he ends by saying “God Bless Toledo,” an Ohio city over 650 miles away from Dayton.
The strain of this. The to-do lists that creep up, even in the summer. Aching arms from lawn work. That sense of over-vigilance, of waiting for the next round to fall.
Amidst the storm, an island of calm in the backyard. Movement by movement, the yang style long form unfolds. Step by shifting-weighted step, stillness arises. Cicadas sing. The neighbors dog barks, whimpers, barks again. Two wind chime sounds as maple leaves flutter and branches sway.
a small, still voice, deep within, keeps whispering. This time, I may hear it.
I may listen.
declining sun
and while this day passes
a rose bouquet fades
still the water is clear
when it settles at last
for dVerse poets’ Poetics: Purifying the Mind (pubtended by Linda Lee Lyberg). The Pub is open! Come join us!
Colleen’s 2019 Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 139 #Poet’sChoice
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Frank J. Tassone 
Incredible, powerful, rife with pathos, and bang on. Since 2002 there have, in USA, 280 mass shootings with 900 people killed, like having the Oklahoma bombing & the Texas tower shootings in the same week.
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Horrifying! And the money-driven paralysis in Congress all but guarantees the crisis will continue. 😞 thanks for your encouraging feedback, nevertheless!
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Nicely done Frank. Yes… still the water is clear when it settles a the end of the day.
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Thanks, Dwight! It takes effort to let that water settle—the effort of letting be.
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This is a wonderful analogy. So much wisdom in those few words Frank.
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A true contemplation in every sense … a tribute to the dead, question the madness, note the sounds and settle down ….
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Thank you! 😀
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my sincere pleasure!
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This is stellar Frank. From despair to stillness. I love it.
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Thank you, Linda. Not easy, but worth it!
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The man’s callousness and ineptitude is on display daily, but witnessing it at a time like this is even more disturbing. A deep breath and appreciation for nature will go a long way in the moment.
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So true! Thank you, Ken! 😀
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Nature is indeed a refuge. (K)
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It truly is. Thank you, K! 😀
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Profound taken as a complete work. Precision clockwork where the time means something.
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Thanks, Jade! 😀
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YW, Frank!
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You have put in words the feeling of many.
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Thank you. I’m sure many of us grieve and tremble at the events of last weekend. I’m grateful for your kind feedback.
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Powerful message – I join you in listening. We are lucky here in Canada that we don’t have or are allowed to carry guns – only people in uniform. These are scary times.
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Wow. POWERFUL. I was moved. Well done. 🙂
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Thank you, Vashti! 😀
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Beautiful, Frank. I would be content to sit by cool clear water for as long as I could.
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Thanks, Sara! 😀
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Powerful and moving prose, Frank! I too, struggle daily trying to force out the horror of what our world has become. Your Tanka is a meditation on finding the strength to let that horror go and live in a peaceful moment. Wow. This is so very good. ❤
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Thank you, Colleen! I appreciate it! 😀
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A powerful write Frank. How will it all end!
Pat R
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