Brain is the forest dappled,
with foliage of thoughts, puzzled.
Each nerve struck a dried twig breaks
leaking rash words without brakes.
Heart is the sea uncharted,
with no fences yet guarded.
Each thump opens more chambers
only for brave wanderers.
—
03.26.2018
©2018 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.
Photo via Unsplash
In response to Blogging from A to Z Challenge and NaPoWriMo 2018.
T is for Tanaga.
The Tanaga is a Filipino stanzaic form that was originally written in Tagolog which to my ear is one of the more musical of languages. (Kumusta ka? Mabuti salam at) The form dates back to the 16th century and has an oral tradition. The poems are not titled. Each is emotionally charged and asks a question that begs an anwer. This form was found at Kaleidoscope. The elements of the Tanaga are:
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stanzaic, written in any number of quatrains.
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syllabic, 7-7-7-7 syllables per line.
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rhymed, originally aaaa bbbb cccc etc., modern Tanagas also use aabb ccdd etc or abba cddc etc or any combination rhyme can be used.
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composed with the liberal use of metaphor.
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untitled.
A Reading Writer 
Sister, I think you’re right about Tagalog. I’ve only read or heard a little (heard hardly any), but the syllables are sonorous. Again, I like your rhyming in this poem. I also appreciate the “forest dappled” you create with “foliage of thoughts.” I’d like to walk there. Happy Earth Day, Sister! (Happy Shakespeare’s birthday, tomorrow.)
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hehe. i think i have to agree to that. my language is really melodious. and thank you for taking note of those phrases. they are my personal favorites too!
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Wow! This is a forest I wouldn’t mind living in. With words like yours, it’ll be heaven.
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i agreeee! thank you! ❤
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