Category: Writing Challenges

TankaTuesday #3

Hello! Here’s another tanka for Colleen’s #TankaTuesday challenge where the rules are to to write in any of the 24 syllabic forms of Japanese poetry using a kigo or season word as an inspiration. While there are 24 seasons in Japan, we are allowed to use season words as per our region.

First the tanka and then the explanatory note. Perhaps, some of you may not need the note 🙂

freshly showered

leaves wave to the blue skies

-Durga Puja celebrations

jeans don’t button up

even upon lying down

I have used Durga Puja as the kigo word. Like I mentioned in my earlier post, Navratri (or nine nights) festival in honor of Goddess Durga is being celebrated this year from 15th to 24 October. During this period, Hindu devotees worship Goddess Durga but the manner of celebration is diverse and unique in different parts of the country. This includes, but is not restricted, to dandiya, kanyapujan (little girls are worshipped as the Goddess) and Durga Puja. Durga Puja is a socio-religious celebrations that is mostly undertaken as a community but may also be done individually. It is associated with not only religious activities but also a platform for showcasing art, culture, and new clothes, cars, TVs and what have you while gorging on a variety of mouth-watering delicacies, including those served free. You may read more about Durga Puja here.

Perhaps, even ‘freshly showered’ could be considered the kigo word. Unlike the West, here in India, this is not the fall season. In fact, this is a time that is right after the monsoons which is a boon to the trees wilting in the scorching summer heat. They are now at their cleanest, greenest and happiest. With the monsoons withdrawing, the skies are blue (for once – Touch wood!!!) the breeze cool, and a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Even Mother Nature is celebrating the imminent arrival of the Mother Goddess (Durga Puja) in her inimitable way.

Did this work? Did you need the explanatory note? Looking forward to reading your reactions. Have a super day.

MWWP: The Magical Village

Hello and good day to you. Today I am participating in Eugi’s Moonwashed Weekly Prompt. The prompt is Magical Village. It can be any variation of the prompt or the image (below).

The photo is rather magical and made me throw caution to the wind and attempt a free verse. Actually, I am not even sure, if that’s what it is – anyway, here goes.

The World of Trees

Fireflies line the path

Magical village

Hiding in plain sight

A lush rustling village

No wants and little needs

Strife there was none.



Oblivious of taunts, curses

and betrayals

Partners for life with

ample space for young’uns

Once they grew roots

they too stayed put.



Some were short, some tall

some colorful, some shy

The naked and the  bedecked

together, no bite in their bark

Phoenix rising from the ashes,

They were that magical.



Passing travellers stop by

Catch a break, 

have a stretch, grab a bite,

Scratch an itch or build a home

They leave without even

A hug, a pat or a backward glance



Once in a while

When the weather is fine,

a light wind blowing

they nod and

wave to each other

going about their daily chores



Day in and day out, these

voiceless master chefs concoct

magic out of thin air

Some make tea, some coffee

Offering children of their heart

an arm, a leg, their whole being


With no expectations

the tireless village plods on

in pursuit of its

Endless thankless task

-- Feed and sustain

20 quintillion lives and counting

***

Thanks for visiting and your kind comments and suggestions. Have a super weekend.

Note (8/10/23): I changed the title of the poem as I felt that otherwise the poem was very obscure for most readers. Do let me know your thoughts. Thanks

FF: Spinning a Yarn

Hello! Hope you are having a super day. Here’s my attempt to participate in the weekly flash fiction party hosted by Rochelle where everyone is welcome to join. Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo prompt below.

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

Spinning a Yarn

Words 100

“I want my order on the 15th,” the customer said.

“But Madam,” Rekha pleaded, “30th was the agreed date. Chikankari* is handmade, it’s time-consuming and back-breaking ….”

“I can pay extra.”

“They’re award winning artisans, one can’t just order…”

“How about 30% extra?”

“I‘ll request them.”

 “So darn hot!” Rekha moaned at her artisan’s makeshift shop, a mat, under the banyan tree.

The wizened woman looked up from her embroidery.

“When will my order be ready?”

“Another 10 days.”

“5 days.”

“Sorry Madamji. My son isn’t well and my…”

“Not my business. For each day’s delay, I will deduct 10%.

***

A/N * Chikankari is the technique of creation of a chikan work, which is a delicate hand embroidery on a variety of textile fabrics. Traditional chikankari is white floral embroidery on soft pastel shades of light muslin and cotton. You may visit this link for more information

Thanks for visiting. Would love to know your thoughts. Have a great day 🙂

TankaTuesday #2

Good day! Another attempt to write tanka while participating in Colleen’s #TankaTuesday challenge where the rules are to to write in any of the 24 syllabic forms of Japanese poetry using a kigo or season word as an inspiration. While there are 24 seasons in Japan, we are allowed to use season words as per our region.

I am trying out a tanka and have used ‘Dandiya’ as the kigo word here. Dandiya Raas is a folk dance of western India mostly in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This popular socio-religious dance is performed during the Navaratri (literally – Nine Nights) festival in honor of Goddess Durga who is believed to visit her home on Earth along with her children and their unique animal companions, (but that’s another story for another day, perhaps). This festival usually occurs in the period of late September to late October with the actual dates varying from year to year. Dandiya is performed in memory of Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura (literally – buffalo demon) and the colorful sticks (called dandia) used in the dance represent her sword.

I took this image from this site just to give you a better idea. I hope the kigo word is acceptable?

And the tanka is

trees

swaying in the breeze

dandiya practice

he joins up unaware

of her fracture

Initially I thought of going for just the haiku (the first 3 lines) then felt it could be a tanka as well. Also the explanation seemed a bit disproportionate to the kigo description. Still is actually 😀

That’s it folks. Do let me know your thoughts, comments and tips. Have a great day and thank you Colleen for the challenge.

FF: Off His Chest

Hello everyone! It’s Friday Fictioneer’s time and we have yet another party which you are welcome to join. Thank you Rochelle for hosting it and Jennifer Pendergast for the photo prompt. Click here to join and the Rules are here.

PHOTO PROMPT © Jennifer Pendergast
FF: Off His Chest

Words 100

 “Hello David.”

“Mary? How…When…”

“Why so startled? My first time coming home after my wedding, I had to meet you. Aren’t you going to ask me in?”

“Er….”

“Everything’s the same. That pen stand’s the one I gifted you? Aww, David. Still pining for me? Sorry, darling but it’s time you moved on.”

“Um…”

“I love this quaint chest. Remember how I used to hide here whenever the doorbell rang? Ha. Ha!” She opened the chest. “Eeeks!”

“Hi Mary.” Raina popped out.

“Why’re you hiding here?”

“I thought it was his mom. How’s Shailesh?”

“You know my husband?”

“Sort of. My ex-boyfriend.”

***

I tried my personal favorite format – only dialogue. Wondering if it worked or was confusing – do let me know. Thanks for reading. Have a super day 🙂

PS: In view of the confusion, I edited it. Hope it reads better now. Thanks for your support.

TankaTuesday #1

Good day to everyone. Another attempt to write tanka while participating in Colleen’s #TankaTuesday challenge where the rules are to to write in any of the 24 syllabic forms of Japanese poetry using a kigo or season word as an inspiration. While there are 24 seasons in Japan, we are allowed to use season words as per our region.

I hope I have understood the rules 🙂

I belong to India and the monsoon season is still lingering around, although I believe it has begun its, albeit belated, withdrawal.

a monsoon shower –

hanging on the long clothesline

sparkling diamonds

thieves break-in to find my cache

of dripping garments

So monsoon is my kigo. While the tanka is not exactly 5/7/5/7/7 syllables, I believe a total of 31 syllables or less is also acceptable. Am I right? Did this work? I also wasnt sure if I was supposed to include the image. Would love to know your thoughts, comments and suggestions.

Thanks for visiting and reading. Have a super day.

MWWP: Tanka #1

Hello and a very good day to you. I am attempting to participate in Eugi’s Moonwashed Musings Weekly Prompt – Gingered Sky. It can be any variation of the prompt or the image (below). Click here to read the other entries on the prompt.

I am attempting to present a Tanka inspired by the image. For the uninitiated (and also for myself as I struggle to grasp the finer nuances) Tanka is a popular Japanese form of poetry that is a total of 31 syllables or less separated into 5 lines. Tanka are not (necessarily rhyming) poems about seasons, nature, desires, mood or emotions, using literary devices, such as personification, metaphors etc. Tanka is characterized by a turn, known as the pivot (third line), which marks a sudden shift from one image to that of another such as a personal reference.

The haiku on the other hand is a Japanese poem with three lines of not more than 17 syllables usually referencing a season with a twist or an ‘aha’ moment in the final like.

It also may be noted that the Japanese form of poetry avoids the use of titles and capitalization of any word. If I may add, that since this is a very short poem, each word is important and may hold different connotations and perhaps best read slowly, absorbing while picturizing what each word is trying to paint/convey. Otherwise, one tends to miss the ‘aha’ moment. At least, that has been my learning.

More than a decade ago, when I first developed an interest in writing, I had dabbled in haiku and tanka forms before switching to fiction writing. Once again, I am going where the muse leads me. Thank you for your company on this journey.

twilight –

the sun sets on another day

reflections

of all that which could

have been

***

I struggled with these five lines for over five hours. Seriously. I gave up and posted this. What do you think? Does it work as a tanka? Any suggestions? I am open to constructive criticism. Do let me know. Thanks. Have a great day 🙂

WWP #287: Not So Sweet Revenge

Hello! I am back with a piece for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt – Revenge in exactly 79 words. Hope you like!

Not so Sweet Revenge

Words 79

“Where’s Deva?”

“Daddy!” Chotti ran to him sobbing. “He’s gone off to play football. He has an exam tomorrow as well.”

“That boy.”

““He’s always playing.” Chotti rubbed it in. “Or teasing me.” She pouted.

“Hari Prakash!” Her father shouted. “Go get Deva home immediately.”

Chotti skipped, but stopped short.

“Daddy, let him play today.” She wore her most angelic expression. “Scold him later.”

“Why?” He frowned.

“Because, he promised to get her an ice cream today,” Khushi revealed.

***

Thanks for reading, would love to hear your thoughts. Have a super day ahead

FF: The Monster

Written for the Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle – a story in 100 words or less. Click here for other stories on this prompt.

Photo prompt Sandra Crook

The Monster

Words 101

“Nani,” Chotti pulled at her granny’s hand, “let’s go the other way.”

“But that’s so much longer dear!”

“Chotti is terrified of afraid of that,” Deva snickered nodding his head.

“That’s just a hill.”

“No Nani,” Angel clung to her hand “that’s a monster from space. It’s face was eaten up by the creeper.” Her eyes were wide with terror.

“Deva.” Nani looked at him reprovingly.

“It wasn’t me! “He raised his hand solemnly, but couldn’t quite hide the gleam in his eye.

“Chotti,” Deva capitulated, “the creeper is actually trying to save the poor monster from being completely washed away.”

***

So, what do you think? Go on, say something 😀

Have a super weekend and thanks for dropping by.

6WSP: Goodbye

Hello everyone, hope you all are having a good weekend, not like me down with a headache, since yesterday and an awful night. Decided to cheer myself with some virtual fun – anything to get my mind off my headache 😀

I am attempting two challenges together – Shweta’s Saturday Six Word Story Prompt (the prompt this week is Goodbye) and Debbie’s Saturday six-word musings (my first time) where the “key rule is to have a title of six words – and then create around that the post that you desire! Perhaps in bunches of 6 words if you’re feeling inspired.”

A few 6 word stories which I think work alone and perhaps as a bunch too.

I hope I am not breaking any rules 😛

Here goes:

Goodbye

She always had the last word

Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.

How about also see you tomorrow?

Sure. At the beach. Same time.

Well? Or should I not ask?

Thanks for visiting 😀