Saturday, August 12, 2017

One Man's Maple Moon: Persimmons Tanka by James Chessing

English Original

we talk
of everything
and nothing
the bowl of persimmons
not one of them ripe

Skylark, 3:1, 2015

James Chessing


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

我們無所不談
不過什麼重要的事情
也沒談   
一碗的柿子
沒有一個是熟的

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

我们无所不谈
不过什麽重要的事情
也没谈   
一碗的柿子
没有一个是熟的


Bio Sketch

James Chessing's profession is clinical psychology.  He is in his fifth decade writing haiku, and he published his first tanka in 2006.  His poems have appeared in many of the leading journals and anthologies, and he had the good fortune to place first in the 2010 Tanka Society of America Contest. 

1 comment:

  1. The upper verse establishes the thematic and emotional context while the image of unripe, heart-shaped persimmons in the lower verse successfully opens up an interpretative space for the reader's engagement.

    Note: "...The fruit has a high tannin content, which makes the unripe fruit astringent and bitter. The tannin levels are reduced as the fruit matures. Persimmons like Hachiya must be completely ripened before consumption. When ripe, this fruit comprises thick, pulpy jelly encased in a waxy thin-skinned shell..."

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