Tanka, a Japanese form of poetry, adheres to a specific structure and syllable count:
Structure:
* Five lines: The poem consists of five lines, each with a specific number of syllables.
* Syllable count:
* Line 1: Five syllables
* Line 2: Seven syllables
* Line 3: Five syllables
* Line 4: Seven syllables
* Line 5: Seven syllables
Content:
* No rhyme: Unlike many Western forms of poetry, tanka do not follow a rhyming scheme.
* Subject: Tanka often focus on nature, love, life, and everyday experiences.
* Focus: The first three lines typically describe an image or scene, while the last two lines shift to a more reflective or philosophical tone.
* Turn: There's a subtle "turn" in the poem, usually between the third and fourth lines, where the focus shifts from description to reflection.
Additional points:
* Imagery: Tanka heavily rely on evocative imagery to paint a picture in the reader's mind.
* Conciseness: The limited syllable count encourages brevity and precise word choice.
* Emotion: Though often understated, tanka evoke a strong emotional response.
Note: There is no single, universally accepted "rule" for tanka, and contemporary writers often experiment with variations. However, the traditional structure and content guidelines remain a useful foundation for understanding and writing tanka.