The day I wrote this tanka October 14, 2020 my husband Hideki had a stroke. I finished meditating and was compelled to write it. I had no idea he was out in the world and was having a stroke. Hideki, drove himself van to emergency hospital and stayed for 4 days. He is out of the hospital and luckily he survived! Doctors will watch and monitor his heart, and he is on heavy duty medication–“he is still not out of the woods”.
“Umbrella“
You are my umbrella you keep me cool when it’s too hot protect me from the storm
My best friend and confidant, my special sparring partner we stay strong until death do us part.
No… cutting my hair until Covid is Controlled the weight of it…
Genie Nakano, Oct. 13, 2020
When the quarantine began in Los Angeles in March 2020 my hair was shoulder length. Today Oct.15, 2020–Thursday, my hair is almost to my waist and I’ve gained a few pounds along with it–“the weight of it”.
I am back to working with our local Gardena Newspaper in L.A. county. Here is my latest contribution. I took the photo in Vietnam, 2010. It's a palace but sorry I can't remember where it was. If anyone knows where this photo is -- please tell me.
I suggest new writers approach their local newspapers for exposure. I started as a journalist with a column, "Genie's Lamp" and later a poetry column, "Tanka Tales". Now it's what it is....
“Renku or rengu is a traditional Japanese poetry form of linked verse composed of the collaboration of 2 or more poets. Each participant displays his wit by spontaneously composing a verse in response to the verse that came before”. Wikipedia
This renku was organized and moderated by Professor of English at Xavier University of Louisiana, David Lanoue. David was the the President of the Haiku Society of America 2013 – 2015. He is a writer of Haiku and Haiku novels. He maintains the Haiku Kobayashi Issa website where he has translated 10,000 of Issa’s haiku.
October 3, 2020
Ginkgo leaves fluttering gold alchemy is real Genie
the dog barks at the moon in another time zone Nicholas
Autumn frost at dawn climbing slowly the window pain Veni
a bumpy airplane ride back south Juliet
Black votes don’t matter says the governor David
I will set you free in a galaxy of stars Genie
the newlyweds cruise hollywood Blvd. for a hooker Nicholas
a dream in all colors the lightness of being Veni
she falls on the ice spilling a latte and donuts Jennifer
damn narrow chimney! Santa Claustrophobia David
brightening the vampire’s day was a bad idea Nicholas
keeping the picture of you in my PC to not get them wet Vini
lonely virgins linger around the community pool Jennifer
boys dance in a marijuana cloud under a summer moon David
pointing the gun to my head I change my mind Genie
holy Jizo comforts the child in palm tree shade Nicholas
the village mountain greener in sunrays of March Veni
my mother picks lilacs and tells us be patient Jennifer
(Michael H. Lester and GenieNakano, a tanka response) Micheal is in black print~~ Genie is in Purple and italic) a tongue in cheek but true Tanka Series
the old skin a patchwork of spots and strange bumps dry as the desert wind-worn sands of time
bags baggage and budding wrinkles yet I feel thirty five inside mirrors tell cruel lies
remember when we were thirteen the blood flowed to our tender parts that now sag and droop
my doctor orders “use it or lose it” I asked my my lover for help gone those quickie days
I recall the verve of my youth as I trudge up the seven steps to the old folks home
at the airport my hip replacement triggers off alarms so much attention for all the wrong reasons
those days when I got second looks now long gone even the mirror seems indifferent
far away I pass for mam’selle keep me under soft candle light or turn off the lights
my grandson challenges me to a race around the block my counter proposal a game of bocce ball
long ago I ran barefoot over river rocks today I ponder taking off my shoes
on my arm a new liver spot I shed tears peeling onions the layers of my life
back then wanted to be ballet thin in ten years will I want to be what I am now
as I age the uncertainty of my youth yields to the sureness of maturity
I accept to sit in mystery not always have the answers nothing is permanent
in old age I start to drop things the plus side better reflexes catch me if you can
my wit is quick lived long enough to know let it flow laughter is the key the way to set me free
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Micheal H. Lester and Genie Nakano
Originally published in Rafu Shimpoo and Atlas Poetica a tanka Journal.
Genie Nakano 