I wish I had written this poem! I am reading a book called
Awakening the Heart: Exploring Poetry in Elementary and Middle School and this poem is featured. I just loved the picture that it painted in my mind, especially now that school is back in session and I am reminiscing about the summer. The poet is Debra Chandra. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it. It's not a tanka because of the syllables, but I love the way she did it. Breaking the line after summer and before breath almost makes it feel like catching your breath. I love it!!!
Suspense
Wide-eyed
the sunflowers
stare and catch their summer
breath, while I pause, holding basket
and shears.
-Debra Chandra