A former karate teacher once told me that in every society of any scale (from club to nation) there are zealots, followers, and heretics. “And I’m a heretic,” he added, referring to his role within his dojo.

But he looked obedient enough, responding to Sensai’s commands during a school-wide Karate demonstration.

searching still

for the ones whom I’ll call

my tribe

the poets and wise fools

perplexing this world

for Tanka Poets on Site: Gerry Muse #419. Prompt for 24th August 2024 Belonging, or Not