Tanka Poem: Dying

A Tanka is a traditional Japanese form of poetry consisting of five lines with a syllabic pattern of 5-7-5-7-7. It often expresses deep emotion or personal reflection, typically drawing on nature or human experience as its subject matter.

Tanka: Dying
The fading sun sinks,
Whispers drift upon the breeze,
Final breath of day—
In the stillness, shadows fall,
Life’s last glow, a soft goodbye.

This Tanka uses natural imagery to convey the peaceful and inevitable transition of death, paralleling the end of a day with the end of life. The emotional reflection in the final lines captures the quiet acceptance of the passage from life into death.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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