LatinosUSA

The following garland tanka by Robbie Cheadle is from Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, and Experimental Tanka. (Unicorn Cats Publishing Services, 2024)

Painter’s challenge (garland tanka) by Robbie Cheadle

Anguish reflected
But not absorbed by water
Which also soaks up
Essence of trees and buildings
For serene contemplation
***
Natures pain entrapped
Within deep, inky waters
No amount of tears
Ruffling its exterior
Can change on-going flow
***
Many lives ended
Sinking into death’s embrace
Silent and secret
Water does not pass judgement
Gleaming countenance unchanged
***
Interplay of light
Old Man River stays focused
Moody sky tantrums
Painter tries to replicate
Scene perfected by nature
***
Black, white and silver
Shot through with green and auburn
Captures canal’s soul
Embalming in acrylic
Turbulent natural conflict
***
Anguish reflected
Within deep, inky waters
Silent and secret
Painter tries to replicate
Turbulent natural conflict

Copyright © 2025 Robbie Cheadle

Amazon Description

Sunflower Tanka, edited by Robbie Cheadle & Colleen M. Chesebro, is an annual anthology of contemporary tanka, tanka prose, & experimental tanka from a broad mix of new and established poetic voices from across the world.

Our theme, «Into the Light,» draws inspiration from the way a young sunflower bud constantly turns to face the sun. Poets delved into the realms of death, love, and the natural world, capturing their human experiences in the timeless form of syllabic poetry.

Contributors to the first edition of the Sunflower Tanka: Suzanne Brace, Yvette Calleiro, Kay Castenada, Luanne Castle, Robbie Cheadle, Colleen M. Chesebro, E.A. Colquitt, Melissa Davilio, Destiny, Tamiko Dooley, Lisa Fox, Cindy Georgakas, Chris Hall, Franci Hoffman, Marsha Ingrao, Jude Itakali, JulesPaige, Kenneth, MJ Mallon, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Lisa Nelson, D. Wallace Peach, Freya Pickard, Dawn Pisturino, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Aishwarya Saby, Reena Saxena, Merril D. Smith, Nicole Smith, Ivor Steven, Ben Tonkin, Trilce Marsh Vazquez, Cheryl Wood.

KINDLE

PAPERBACK

Author Biography

Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published thirteen children’s book and three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies. Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name. The ten Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision. Robbie’s blog includes recipes, fondant and cake artwork, poetry, and book reviews. https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/. Robbie Cheadle’s books are available here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robbie-Cheadle/author/