Because I love words after all

A few days ago, my eyes were caught by an article recommended in the "For You Today" section of the note home screen.Secret Response Poem? What could that be? I know what a response poem is. It's replying to a poem you've been gifted, right? But what does it mean to do it secretly?

Intrigued, I went to read it and found it to be a very lively place. Many people were composing response poems to the original poem and interacting in the comments section. For a moment, I felt intimidated, but I couldn't resist the urge to compose one myself, so I left two response poems. Trusting the words that said passersby were also welcome.

Without much delay, a very friendly reply arrived. To my surprise, my poem had already been reflected in the article, and they had also explained another project in detail. I learned later that it was actually past the deadline and the next theme had already been posted. Even so, what kindness.

Having gotten a taste for it, I participated in the next secret response poem as well. Then, this time, there was someone whocomposed a response poemto my poem. Amazing, what is this feeling? I'm so happy.

Setting aside whether or not it can be called tanka, I have been writing little by little since my late teens, influenced by Machi Tawara, until today. But this was my first time composing a response poem or having one composed for me. It was very fresh.

With only a few days left in 2022, I think I learned the importance of raising my hand when my heart is moved, thanks to the new connections I made.

*

The introduction has become long, but I will participate in this project.

Tanka was always something Ionly wrote when I was sad, so this time I pulled out happy memories to write them.

The haiku is one I wrote when I was in elementary school. Since it was possible to participate as a parent and child, it's a tag team with my younger self. Indulging in the rule that seasonal words are not required, I will write down something like a slogan that I remember being praised for at school. (The book haiku doesn't feel like winter, but I hope you will forgive me as it was written for winter break reading week.)

Senryu is completely new to me. I will challenge myself with the Santa series.

[Tanka]

Perhaps we are being tested by this distance, the two of us looking up at Orion at the same time

The warmth wrapping both my hands, gloves that arrive as a charm to think of you

Where shall we see them? Eating New Year's Eve soba with someone who talks about the next cherry blossoms

[Haiku]

Forgetting the whiteness of the breath I exhale, cold weather training

Winter camellia, playing hide-and-seek under a hat of snow

Let's dig out treasures from inside the books

(Written by me when I was in elementary school)

[Senryu]

Delivering pizza, a two-year-old asks Santa for toys

Santa is skillful these days, even ringing up the register

The child gives a bitter smile at Santa who doesn't know when to leave

*

To the management team, thank you for this wonderful project.
I had a lot of fun creating these.

Because, after all, I love words.

I look forward to reading everyone else's work at my own pace.
Thank you very much.