Lesson 5: A Tanka Poem


Tanka poems are a type of classical Japanese poetry. This type of poetry dates back almost 1200 years! Tankas are usually written about nature, seasons, love, sadness and other strong emotions. They are short and powerful; this is why you could write a great Tanka Poem for Peace.


The Tanka poem has a strict structure and often uses similes, metaphors and personification, but do not rhyme.


At first, a Tanka poem might sound strange to you, but this is part of the magic. The unusual and special qualities are what make this type of poetry so beautiful.


There are five lines in a Tanka poem, each with a specific number of syllables. Here is an example thinking about the whole world.


Line one - 5 syllables Line two - 7 syllables Line three - 5 syllables Line four - 7 syllables Line five - 7 syllables


Countires, you stand there


Stressed, unloved, lost and confused What is this about? It is crazy like a storm


We need to be calm and share Here is another example, thinking about bullying.


Line one - 5 syllables Line two - 7 syllables Line three - 5 syllables Line four - 7 syllables Line five - 7 syllables


Bully, poor bully


Why do you hurt me? Tell me You are not perfect


But I don’t make fun of you One day I hope you will see...


Think carefully, and try to be original. There are many things you could think about around the subject of Peace and how to represent it. Peace in the home, school, community and internationally.


Use the Tanka structure to create a powerful Poem for Peace that will WOW the world!


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