This is a tanka for Frank Tassone’s Haiku Challenge. The prompt is winter solstice, which takes place this Thursday. Though we had snow on Friday, it’s now actually unseasonably warm here in south Jersey.
Violet skies roost
over white snow shadow-kissed–
this, the longest night
buries colors like secrets
rediscovered in the spring
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Definitely a timely and strong reflection for the season.
Thank you, Frank.
I like how it connects winter and spring. Passing of time.
Thank you, Claudia.
Reblogged this on Frank J. Tassone and commented:
#Haiku Happenings #9: Merril’s latest #tanka for my current #haikai challenge!
Thank you, Frank!
😇
I like the part about the skies roosting. Well done!
Thank you!
I like how the first word is violet and the last word is spring and how your tanka ties the two together.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Beautifully done, Merril
Thanks so much, Derrick!
Glorious colours in this one, Merril!
Thank you very much, Jane!
🙂
Buries colors like secrets. LOVE that!!!!
Thank you so much, Luanne!
Superb imagery, Merril! Night does bury colors in her cloak. She’s sneaky like that! 😀
Thanks so much, Rose! 🙂
A meaningful tanka!
Thank you!
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The blanket of snow here in Cleveland is the first of many snows we’ll face. . . I like how you describe the hidden colors lying under the snow. Your thoughts of a long winter’s sleep and a distant future of spring’s possibility give me a glimmer of hope, Merril. 🌟
Thank you very much, Robin.
No snow here. It rained last night. I was glad we were home. 🙂
By the time I drove back down to Columbus on the 24th, the snow front had followed me. So glad Felicia was there to keep me company. We made it safe and sound. I still have gifts to pass out due to transferring cars. Rain wasn’t good in my mind due to freezing as the night got colder. . .
Freezing rain is the worst! I’d much rather have snow. My in-laws used to live in Erie, and I’m glad mother-in-law isn’t still there. I heard they got 4 ft (or more?) there at Christmas!
The East side where my cousins live is always much more snowed in than the West suburbs where we spent our middle and high school years, Merril. (Rich and Susan live in North Olmsted, Mom taught in Westlake 30 years, we placed her there in memory care and we graduated H.S. in Bay Village.) 🌨 ☃⛄ ❄