Issue 3 - December 2025 - Editor’s Choice

drinking flat whites
in spring sunlight
for a moment
I forget,
you are dying

Jenny Polstra, New Zealand

The last line in this tanka has a huge impact. Along with the writer we enjoy the simple, small pleasures; coffee, out of doors, on a sunny spring day. Then reality hits, all the more impactful for the simplicity with which it is expressed.   

While this structure works powerfully in this tanka I don’t think it should be regarded as a ‘technique’ to employ in writing tanka. I'm generally not a great fan of technique. Conscious and deliberate use of it can result in contrivance and a feeling, for the reader, of being manipulated rather than simply included in the moment. I believe that, when writing, we should first be true to our experience and the appropriate form will hopefully follow naturally. 

Many other tanka in this issue also have last lines that are impactful in various ways, that take an unexpected turn or add significant new meaning or a hint of mystery. I hope you enjoy spotting them as you read!  

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