Tanka is a five-line lyrical form which can open new worlds of poetic expression.  Its hallmarks are intensity, variety, surprise, and a near gem-like interrelationship of its parts.  We will look at the exciting and innovative ways contemporary poets are adapting this centuries-old Japanese tradition—and write some tanka.

Barry George is a regular contributor to leading English-language haiku and tanka journals in North America, Europe, Australia, and Japan.  His work has appeared in German, French, Romanian, and Japanese translations; and has been selected for the anthologies, A New Resonance 2: Emerging Voices in English-Language Haiku (U.S.), The New Haiku (U.K.), and the annual Red Moon Anthologies.  A winner in international haiku and senryu contests, including the Haiku Society of America, Haiku Canada, and Mainichi Daily News (Tokyo) competitions; he has also been a Poetry Finalist for the Pew Fellowships in the Arts.  His play, The Next Generation, was produced by Duke University.  A one-time resident of Key West, he now lives in Philadelphia, where he presents poetry workshops and teaches Creative Writing at the Community College of Philadelphia.