image copyright 2019 Willow Willers
Ritual
mehndi
love painted hands
palms offering the world
the beauty of hearts awakened
sacred
umber
scented color
my bridal ritual
bless me with joyful abundance
wisdom
sweet love
enchant my skin
butterflies transform me
lotus stirs my soul to flower
freedom
water
ripples of change
sunbirds carry my prayers
on gossamer dragonfly wings
reborn
guide me
auspicious art
drawn in ancient symbols
even the gods and goddesses
adorned
**
My first crown cinquain ever.
Written in response to Colleen Chesebro’s #Tanka Tuesday challenge.
The prompt this week was this beautiful photo by Willow Willers.
Myths of the Mirror 
Wow 😍 beautiful
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Hi Himani, Thank you! I loved learning about this ritual and blending it into a poem. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I hope you’re doing well and weathering this virus without too many difficulties. Take care, my friend.
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Hello Diana, hope you’re doing fine😃 Yes it’s really hard here in my country. We are trying everything to be safe. You also stay safe inside and hugs to you💕💕
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❤
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Beautiful, Diana! Reminds me of the wedding tradition one of my writing sisters talked about when she married her husband (Pakistani).
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Yes, it’s definitely a part of many wedding traditions. I think it’s kind of cool, especially after learning more about the symbolism. 🙂 Thanks for reading, Julie. Have a lovely day.
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Well done. I especially liked the water part. 🙂
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Thanks, Betsy. As I researched the symbols, water came out as a favorite – flowing with change. That’s what marriage is about, isn’t it? I appreciate the visit! 😀
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Yep. That’s a good image indeed.
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Well done!
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Thank you, Mark. I appreciate the visit! Have a great week ahead. 🙂
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You’re welcome. Have a great week, as well.
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Diana, I have not heard of the term ‘crown cinquain’ but wow, this is a glorious form. There is such quiet elation, deep reverence and sense of the sacred in this ritual through your beautiful and ethereal poem.
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Thank you, Annika, for the beautiful comment, as always. It’s syllabic poetry 5 stanzas of 2/4/6/8/2 syllables. 🙂 I tried this longer form because I had so much I wanted to include about this cool photo – significance, symbolism, history, and that sense of reverence. Aah, your comment made me so happy. Have a lovely day, my friend. ❤
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Lovely piece, Diana. My favorite line is: Sunbirds carry my prayers on gossamer dragonfly wings…
Beautiful and evocative. Sharing… : )
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Cathleen. I was intrigued by the photo and gave it a go. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a lovely week!
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As I’m reading, I notice that each line “stands out” in this elegant Tanka poem. Beautifully done.
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Thank you so much for the lovely comment. It was a fun form to play with and attempt to create some flow. I’m honored that you enjoyed it, Ka. Happy Weekend to you!
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