Ready for imbolc
a sole daffodil stands tall
braving the winter
the message reaches my heart
I wallow in self-pity
berated by the sunrise.
***
yellow buds shimmer,
hope glints at the horizon
yet shrieks are alive
the depth of winter deepens,
the throttle of night tightens
constricting my blood vessels.
***
far away from you,
winter sparrow is yearning
to fly on impulse –
an unknown destination,
the so-called heaven awaits
in the realms of fantasy.
© Balroop Singh
The challenge this week is to compose a series of Bussokusekika, (syllable count: 5-7-5-7-7-7.) which is an ancient form of waka (tanka). Also use one kigo phrase in each of your three poems. Kigo phrases for the northern hemisphere are:
- Imbolc or groundhog day (your choice) – 2 or 3 syllables
- Depth of winter – 4 syllables
- Winter sparrow – 4 syllables
Thanks to Colleen for the inspiration and instructions to write syllable poetry.




