* Structure: It consists of four lines, each with seven syllables.
* Rhyme Scheme: All four lines rhyme.
* Meter: The meter is usually iambic tetrameter, meaning each line has four metrical feet, each with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
* Content: Typically, tanagas explore themes of love, nature, life, and social commentary. They often feature imagery and symbolism.
Here's an example:
> Ang hangin ay malamig,
> Ang ulan ay bumubuhos,
> Ang langit ay madilim,
> Ang puso ko'y nagluluksa.
Translation:
> The wind is cold,
> The rain pours down,
> The sky is dark,
> My heart is filled with sorrow.
Key Points:
* Tanagas are often used to express personal feelings and observations.
* They are a popular form of poetry in the Philippines.
* Their short length and rhyming structure make them easy to remember and share.