a surprise
at this time in life to find
such passion . . .
a covey of quail rises
fluttering on dark wings
Moonbathing, no. 5, Fall/Winter 2011-2012
Anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis knows that there are multiple reasons why I have a special fondness for Moonbathing, Pamela A. Babusci’s biannual journal of women’s tanka. Pamela, a wonderful tanka poet and editor, led me to my discovery of tanka just a little over a year ago when I saw a call for submissions to her journal. It was a call that, literally, changed my life. When Pamela agreed to publish my first poem shortly after I began writing tanka, I was beside myself with gratitude. Little did I know how much I would grow to appreciate and love this ancient five-line form. Or how much I would love the feeling of community I share with other tanka writers–both male and female–whose work I respect and admire.
It is especially gratifying, then, for me to introduce others in some small way to tanka . . . and to Moonbathing. (I know several other poets learned of the journal here; now, their tanka are among the many beautiful poems featured in this new issue.) To subscribe to or learn more about Moonbathing, e-mail Pamela at: moongate44@gmail.com. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I know I’m not. And, Pamela, thank you . . .
Haiku-doodle 