4.10 More Patterns for Poems

Optional Extension

If you enjoyed writing a haiku and want to try another Japanese poem, you can try writing a tanka.

Tanka is the oldest form of Japanese poetry.

Tanka poems are usually about nature, seasons, or love.

A tanka is based on syllables and follows this pattern:

LINE ONE: 5 syllables

LINE TWO: 7 syllables

LINE THREE: 5 syllables

LINE FOUR: 7 syllables

LINE FIVE: 7 syllables

Here are two examples: