Thrilled to receive the following award:
lady's tresses
speckling the downs
this autumn night
your fingers untangle
what's left of my hair
Winner, The Linda Jeannette Ward Tanka Award
Judge's comments:
The winning tanka is well crafted in the characteristic s/l/s/l/l style, displaying a thorough knowledge of form, with economy of words and careful line breaks. The pivot line this autumn night encourages imagining rare white orchids dotting the downs beneath autumn stars. I see stars above and stars below. And autumn links with L4 & 5, to build the story, where an older couple share a tender moment, fingers untangle the partner's sparse hair. Line 5 what's left of my hair loops back to line 1 & 2 lady's tresses / speckling the downs to complete this gentle and intimate scene which we can all relate to.
—Marilyn Humbert
