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Frog as a Carpe Diem Prompt from Jen, (Ghost Writer) using the Tanaga form.

The Tanaga is an ancient Filipino poem which has been dying out in its native language, Tagalog.  Tanagas are being encouraged in English in an attempt to reach new audiences and keep the form alive. Some sources call the Tanaga a “Filipino Haiku”, but that isn’t quite accurate.  Like an English haiku, the Tanaga counts syllables. Unlike the haiku, the pattern is four lines of 7 syllables each (7-7-7-7). The difference is that the Tanaga rhymes; it has a pattern of AABB.  In addition, ancient Tanagas were handed down through oral history and contain advice for living.

Ghanaian proverbs:

  • We only see the length of the frog after its death.
  • it is only when the frog is satiated with water that it burps

frog

gurgling sounds from empty pond

heard above the waking dawn

has the frog had its moment

 we plan an all black event

Copyright © Celestine Nudanu 
(05/05/14)
I appreciate your patience with me as I catch up on your blogs. Thanks a million! Shalom