Tanka: Impermanence

black and white photo of people standing by the door
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com
It is a slow fade
from bright lights and total care
to an uncaring dotage
We ride this uncertain wave
into the darkest twilight

copyright Francis Barker 2019

Tanka: Maps

white ceramic cup on map
Photo by Filippo Peisino on Pexels.com

He pores over maps
joys in relief lines and lakes
the old village names
So much history compressed
Hidden gems to discover

copyright Francis Barker 2019

Tanka: Candle

lighted candle
Photo by Rahul on Pexels.com

Candles flickering
betray the lonely spirit,
the room’s sudden chill.
How long the living will wait
to have their questions answered

copyright Francis Barker 2019

Tanka: Where is solace?

blur cartography close up concept
Photo by slon_dot_pics on Pexels.com

This crazy island
in this ridiculous world
Where is solace?
Somewhere the news cannot reach
and opinions have no sway

copyright Francis Barker 2019

Tanka: The New Noah

background balance beach boulder
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I’m building the ark
a bastion in my mind
that no one could breach,
my pure thought – the sent out dove –
in search of restoration

copyright Francis Barker 2019