Sound Of Home Tanka Poem by Chen-ou Liu

a flock of geese
through the shelter window
a deaf veteran
touches again and again
the sound of home

Honorable Mention,2024 San Francisco International Competition held by the Haiku Poets of Northern California


Judge's Commentary: In this tanka, I love the mix of senses, and powerful elements. A 'flock of geese' commands our attention even without the rush of sound that is inherent in it. And the lone veteran who sees, cannot hear but 'feels' it. The action brings to heart the reasons for the deafness... and separation from the flock...