I read the news—an Alaska man finds a bottle with a fifty-year-old message inside. The Russian sailor’s note conveys friendly greetings. They drift through Cold War seas, through glasnost and perestroika to shores not yet submerged by the rising seawater of melted glaciers. The man shows the message to his sons.
Past meets the future
carried on time’s tumbling waves
ebbing and flowing
lives tide-lifted and lowered
as moon-silvered sea rolls on
This is a Haibun tanka (because sometimes you have to break the rules) for Colleen’s tanka Tuesday photo challenge, using the photo above.
Here is the story that was in the news.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
So timely and thought provoking
Thank you, Derrick.
Such a beautiful story. The message transended time and politics.
Lovely write as well.
Thank you very much!
Yes, agreed!
Thank you, Ken!
Charming! as if the message bottle is not a serendipity in itself your poem paints the loveliest of pictures!
Thank you very much, Holly! 🙂
My pleasure!
This is really beautiful, Merril. I loved the news story, too!
Thank you so much, Jill!
I love it when you break the rules!! So thoughtful and tender xx
Thank you, Dami! 🙂
Your tanka is perfection. What a fantastic story, too. I found it ironic the man who found it has a Russian-sounding last name… Serendipity.
Thank you very much, Dale. I thought it was interesting, too, that he had a Russian-sounding name.
What a great story, and a beautiful connection to have made. (K)
This is a great story and a wonderful poem Merril
Thank you very much, Dwight! Thanks for reading.
You are welcome!
“Moon-silvered sea…” I’m transported into your Haibun. How cool is this? ❤
Thank you very much, Colleen. I’m glad I could transport you! 🙂
It was a great trip! ❤
I prefer your version to the real story which I found a little sad—the Russian not remembering having sent the message and the man who found it not replying, but thinking it would be a fun thing to do with his kids. Why, I wonder? Your poem reflects how it should have been.
Thank you, Jane. I guess that’s one of the fun things about writing, we can change the story. 🙂
Yes, an interesting outcome is just as possible as a boring one.
🙂
Ooooh, nicely done. 🙂
Thank you, Robin!
This is a good one. Now you make me want to dig up people who found a message in a bottle.
Pat
Thanks so much, Pat! Have fun with your new project. 😉
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