Issue 1 - June 2025 - Editoral

On poetry, politics and religion.

Welcome to the first issue of Quail Eggs! Thanks to the contributors from all around the world who helped to make it such a fascinating mix of styles and subject matter, while also staying true to the essence of tanka. 

While following the recent papal conclave and hearing all the talk of 'traditional' vs 'progressive' cardinals I was reminded of an article by Susumu Takiguchi on the subject of Fueki-Ryuko, a Japanese term which translates approximately as 'respect for tradition' and 'relevance to modern life' The article discusses why it is important to have not just one or the other but a balance of both. I hope that Quail Eggs can be a place where Fueki-Ryuko is practiced. 

We live in a world that has lost its balance. So many issues in politics, religion and even, sadly, poetry become polarised between 'traditionalists' and 'modernisers' and people become hung-up on points of dogma. Rather than respectful communication and exploration of what might be of value in different viewpoints we often see a tug-of-war, each side trying to drag the other by force across a dividing line. I recall some particularly unedifying schisms over whether English language haiku and tanka must be defined by the number of syllables on each line. 

I do enjoy tanka that demonstrate balance, in any of a variety of ways. A balance between tradition and modernity, yin and yang, eternal and ephemeral, and many more of what appear to be opposites but are really two sides of the same coin. 

As luck would have it one of the tanka I accepted for this first issue does just that, so I have put some commentary on it on the Editor's Choice page.

I'd like to introduce a Reader's Choice page in the next issue, so please let me know which tanka, tanka sequences or tanka prose you enjoyed most from this issue - pick up to 3 and send a note to the submissions email. If you have any other feedback on Issue 1 you can use the comments option on this page to comment in public or send a private message to the submissions email. 

I hope you enjoy Quail Eggs and will consider submitting tanka for Issue 2 when submissions open again on the 1st of August. I hope you have a happy and inspiring summer!

Alison Williams -  Editor

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