Beguiling planet–
our existence here so brief,
circling through seasons
we love, destroy, yet wish for
our cerulean orb, home
Photo originally taken by Apollo 17 crew, Wikipedia Commons
Another busy day. Off prompt for NaPoWriMo. I’ve written a tanka for Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday, using synonyms for enchant and shape, and for Frank’s Haikai Challenge using the prompt Earth.
Lovely post, Merril. I find that I am often off on the prompts, but as long we find inspiration whenever and wherever…
A colleague of mine, a scientist / biologist, once said that the Earth is a much more powerful force that we puny people who inhabit it. She said, ‘We have so little impact on her, she just goes merrily spinning on her way doing what she has always done.’ I took heart in that view.
Thank you, Jilly.
I may come back to some prompts at some point. There are so many prompts (and posts to read). It’s hard for me to keep up. 🙂
Yes, I suppose unless something happens that totally obliterates the planet, it will keep on, even if we do not.
Beautiful words, Merril.
We’re like tenants who live rent free without hesitating to trash the place without concern for being evicted.
Thank you, Ken.
Perfect analogy. 🙂
Reblogged this on Frank J. Tassone and commented:
#Haiku Happenings #11: Merril’s latest #tanka for #Napowrimo2018/Glopowrimo2018 , Colleen’s Weekly #tanka poetry challenge, and my current #haikai challenge!
Thank you, Frank!
Wow! I love this Tanka, Merril. Our time here is so brief… ❤
Thank you so much, Colleen! 🙂
I hadn’t thought of it that way before. We have been here so little time and yet we have already changed the natural order.
Thanks, Jane. I’ve seen various comparisons, but one I just watched showed the history of the earth from it’s beginnings billions of years spread out across a football field. Humans come into existence at an 1/8 inch from the end line across the field.
We’ve been here so little time yet we’ve managed to mess everything up already.
True. 😦
Nicely done. Following Jane’s comment, we are guardians for those who come after
Thank you, Derrick. Yes.
our existence here so brief”–that’s exactly what I feel when I look at photos of earth from space. We are so small. So unimportant. I don’t know where these oversized (destructive) egos come from…(K)
Thank you, Kerfe.
Remember the controversy over even saying that the earth revolves around the sun? Some people have to believe that we (and they themselves in particular) are the most important things in the universe.
Yes the church still has a hard time admitting that animals and growing things are as important as humans, and should not be controlled or ruled by man. As someone we know (and loathe) would say, Sad.
What a beautiful reminder. Life is indeed brief.
Thank you very much!
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I read Jilly’s comment with interest and find it hard to believe. It’s a small planet. It’s resources are limited and is being used up at an incredible rate.
Well, as long as we don’t blow it up, I suppose the spinning sphere itself will continue on–it just may not have any life on it. Maybe it won’t be blue either.
Fair.
And thank you for reading!
I liked this tanka which held so much. Space, earth, planets and responsibility in comments after looking at the gift here. Apollo 17, this one photo makes me fall in love with this orb!
An “Ode to our Orb!” If only I could create one. . . 🙂
I could not stay within the structure like you do making it seem natural and lovely, Merril. 💮
That is such a lovely compliment. Thank you very much, Robin.
You’re so very welcome, Merril. I’m “caught up!” (For now! 🌞)
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