2. • A tanka is a 5 line poem that uses strong
images to establish a mood.
– A tanka focuses on the 5 senses.
– Example:
• Along the beach
footprints fill with the sea
fill with the sea
until they disappear
leaving only sand, only sea.

3. Tanka poems follow the following
pattern:
Line 1: 5 syllables
Line 2: 7 syllables
Line 3: 5 syllables
Line 4: 7 syllables
Line 5: 7 syllables
Did you notice that the pattern is similar to a haiku poem? Both are
Japanese forms of poetry.

4. Look at the 2 tanka poems below. With your
partner, find the words and phrases that are
connected to one of your senses.

5. 1. Choose a scene or place you would like
to write about.
2. Visit the scene in your imagination, and
be alert to your five senses.
3. Write five lines using the tanka pattern,
making sure to describe the scene with
your senses.