Water Spirit
In the blue-light sparkle
I watch the spirit shift
as pin-prick glow, adrift
from the water
arising. She surprises
only me—I see. Why
do I hear a soft sigh—
watered-lips sip–
do not naiads thirst too?
And for knowledge, beauty—
do they weep in duty
quenching the earth?
No answers to questions
unasked. Cloud-masked sun, moon
shine a shimmer-light tune–
and dreams stream on.
–Merril D. Smith, Feb. 2021
This is an attempt at an abhanga (or collection of abhang?) for Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday Challenge. The form originated in India, where it was often written as devotional poetry. “It was popular from the 13th thru 17th centuries Marathi Region of India and is described as complex and classic. (poetrymagnumopus.com)”
It is made up of one or more four-line stanzas with syllables, 6-6-6-4. The second and third lines end in a rhyme: abbc. Sometimes there is also an internal rhyme.
This sparkling light on the river looked to me like a female figure coming out of the water.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Light sparkles always
Yes, thank you.
My pleasure
how lovely – love the sparkles
Thank you so much, Beth!
Your words do sparkle, Merril. Gorgeous photo!
Thank you, Jill!
Yes, I can see her there. 🙂 Beautiful abhanga, Merril. We’ve been reading some of that in Gita class.
Thank you so much, Robin. I’m glad you can see her, too. (Husband couldn’t.) 😏
It’s interesting that you’re reading abhanga. I had never heard of the form before.
This is very lyrical. Well done.
Thank you, Trent!
Beautifully lyrical personification of a selkie
Thank you, Derrick.
I love this, it felt like water dripping or even water flowing through my body. It was very refreshing, and thank you for that bit of history about where this kind of poetry was originated from. It was fun to know a little about it’s kind 💙
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words. 💙
You’re most welcome
I’m so happy you decided to write some poetry to accompany your amazing photo. Your abhanga sequence is the perfect philosophical discussion of the naiad spirit. As humans, our bodies are mostly water – we’re connected through that element. This is really beautiful. ❤
Thank you so much, Colleen, for your kind words. This seemed like a fun form to try, and I just happened to have this photo. 😀
LOL! I wanted to ask you to write a poem to accompany that photo the other day. I think you tapped into some special magic that day. ❤
Awww–thank you so much, Colleen! 💙
Interesting. I hadn’t seen this kind of poem before. The picture you use for inspiration is beautiful.
Thank you very much! I had just taken the photo and saw the prompt, so it all came together. 😀
It does look like a water spirit! This form seems just right for a magical incantation. (K)
Thank you! Yes, I think you’re right. The form definitely lends itself to writing more than one stanza.
This is wonderful and I do definitely see the water spirit! And now, a new poetry form? Hmmm 😉
Thank you! I’m glad you see it, too.
Yes, a new form. Try it! 😀
Oh yes, I do!
And you know I will! You instigator…
Hahaha! And I’m hosting the quadrille on dVerse today.
So there’s a mighty fine chance I’ll play today, too!
😀
Thank you for the introduction to a new form of poetry. The sun on the water really does look like a spirit rising from it, and your poem does her justice. ” . . . and dreams stream on.”
You’re welcome, and thank you, Liz!
You’re welcome, Merril.
Oh, I love this Merril, and I’m liking that bit of info on the form being devotional. That’s interesting.
Pat
Thank you so much, Pat!
Quite magical and profound 🍁
Thank you!
Such a pleasure