I’m still held within the grips of this illness. I’m sure it’s a cold. Not only that, but I have to tell you, I’ve never sneezed so much in my life. So between coughing, sneezing, & wheezing, I’m slowly recovering.

Thanks so much for all your well-wishes. It helps to know you’re all cheering me on. Puffs Plus tissues with lotion are my best friends right now.

Anyway, I wanted to write a poem—any poem, at this point, for #TankaTuesday. My brain has been so muddled I couldn’t think… So here goes. This is a tanka poem using the kigo words: green snow shadows, and shallow spring.

dawn's pale light reveals
green snow shadows under trees
bare branches hamper
snowflakes before they reach land
the signs of a shallow spring


© Colleen M. Chesebro
© Washington Post: MSN.com

This image really grabbed my attention. What a great kigo phrase: green snow shadows.

Puffs Plus Please!

Thanks for Sharing!

125 responses to “Shallow Spring, #TankaTuesday”

  1. Terrific! Sorry the recovery has been slow and hope that changes soon…love the phrase “shallow spring!” It just snowed here in New York last week and it was magical – helped by 30 degree temp which isn’t bad at all!

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    1. Thanks so much, John. We got just a bit of that storm as it blew through mid-Michigan. You guys have been dumped on this year. 30 degrees is fabulous!

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  2. Goodness, Colleen, it really does sound like Covid. I don’t think the tests are always accurate. My mother got Covid in late January and it’s taken her weeks to recover. I do like your poem 💜

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    1. Thanks, Robbie. I am feeling better. Now I have a cough and that makes my asthma go crazy. If it gets worse, I’ll contact my doctor on Monday. I’m greatly improved from what I was just a few days ago. xx

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      1. I’m glad to know this, Colleen 🪻💜

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        1. I cleaned the upstairs this morning. I decided I was sick of being sick. 🤣

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    1. Thanks, Sis. We had this snow not long ago.

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  3. Feel better soon. Have you checked for bronchitis or pneumonia?

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    1. If it doesn’t get better by Monday, I’ll call my doctor. Thanks for thinking of me. xx

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  4. Be well my friend. Colds are horrible. Sending love 💕 and light 🕯️

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    1. We all wore masks and I stayed healthy… that tells me a lot. I’m back to wearing a mask when I go out. There’s so much out there right now. Thanks, Ruth. Hope you are well. 💖

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  5. Here’s hoping you feel better soon, Colleen!

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    1. Thanks so much, Jacqui. xx

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  6. I totally understand, Colleen. I am right there with you. Here’s hoping we both feel better soon!

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    1. Jan, try Neil Med Nasal Rinse. It got me through the worst of it! Feel better. I’m up and about today, cleaning. Gotta get rid of the bad energy and bring in the new. 🩷

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  7. Love the poem Colleen. Sorry to hear you have been so unwell. Trusting that you will have a speedy recovery. Stay Safe. Take good care of yourself My Friend.

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    1. Goff, thank you so much. I’m doing much better. 🩷

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      1. So glad to hear that. Stay warm. Stay Safe My Friend.

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  8. I’m sorry you’re still sick. I hope you feel better soon, soon, soon!!

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    1. Thanks, Liz. I cleaned the upstairs this morning. I feel better. Also Neil Med Nasal Rinse is fabulous. LOL! 😂

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      1. I’m glad you’re feeling better, Colleen!

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      2. You’re welcome, Colleen. I’m glad you’re feeling better!

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  9. Sending love dear Willow sister and prayers for healing.
    I’m not on my computer until Sunday. But had to send well wishes. I hadn’t realised you were ill Colleen.
    Sending much love ❤️ 💕💛💕♥️💖💐🌷💝💐❤️💕💛❤️💖

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    1. Thanks for all that good energy and love, Sue. I feel so much better today. I got sick of being sick and cleaned the bedrooms, bathrooms, sheets, towels, etc! I have a sinus rinse that has helped me so much. Tomorrow, I’ll rest. 🩷

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      1. That is wonderful to know Colleen… Cleaning also therapeutic 🙂 ❤ xx

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  10. Beautiful poem, Colleen, as always. I’m so sorry you still suffer with that mysterious ailment. It sounds a bit like Covid—as it can have different symptoms. The best you can do is rest, my friend. So sorry. 💙

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    1. Thanks, Gwen. I got up this morning and cleaned the upstairs. That made me feel so much better. Neil Med Sinus Rinse is wonderful. LOL! 😂

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  11. I can see those branches capturing the snow. A cold is no fun…it seems to go on forever. Make sure you get plenty of rest! (K)

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    1. Thanks, Kerfe. I’m got up this morning and decided I was sick of being sick. I cleaned upstairs and feel better because of it. I’ll definitely rest tomorrow. xx

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      1. I know that feeling too.

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  12. I like your poem very much. Even sick you write wonderfully.
    I’m sorry to hear that you’re under the weather. I hope you get back to your perky self soon. Sending lots of healing thoughts and faerie energy your way. 🧚‍♀️💖

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    1. Thanks my lovely, E.C. Fairy energy received. I’m feeling much better. I cleaned the upstairs this morning, so that makes me feel like I cleared out the old energy. 🩷

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      1. You’re very welcome. I’m thankful you’re feeling better. Getting positive energy cleanse is so refreshing. I’m still sending you positive fairy energy and happy healing thoughts.❤️🧚‍♀️

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        1. Thank you, E.C. All that good energy helped to speed up my recovery! Thank goodness. I’m feeling better every day now. 🩷🧚🏻

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  13. Hope you feel better soon my friend. Love your poem.

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    1. Thanks, Sadje. I am on the mend! ❤️‍🩹

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      1. Good to know! Take care 💖

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        1. Thanks so much, Sadje. 🩷

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          1. You’re always welcome

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  14. Even being sick hasn’t dimmed your creativity dear Colleen…Get well soon…snuggle up and drink lots xoxo

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    1. Thanks so much, Carol. I got up this morning and cleaned. Thank goodness for the nasal rinse I use. That has seen me though the worst of it! 🩷

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      1. That is good to hear, Colleen xoxo

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        1. Thanks, Carol. I’m so happy to be feeling better. We installed two air purifiers today. That should help with cat hair. LOL! xx

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  15. I love this poem. I’m impressed because you’re so sick! Hugs!!!

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    1. Thanks, Luanne. I got up this morning and decided I was sick of being sick. I cleaned the upstairs bedrooms, bathrooms, sheets, towels… the whole enchilada! I feel better now. Neil Med Nasal rinse is the best thing ever!

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      1. You rock, Colleen!!!!

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  16. a lovely poem, Colleen.
    feel better soon 🤍🙏

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    1. Thanks, Destiny. I’m over the worst of it now!🩷

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      1. good to hear, Colleen… and you’re most welcome 🌹🤍

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        1. Thanks so much, Destiny. 🩷

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  17. I hope your beastly cold clears off soon, and you feel better fast, Colleen. Sending healing thoughts and good wishes. ❤️‍🩹
    Beautiful poem. 💕

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    1. Lesley, thank you so much! I got up this morning, sick of being sick, and started cleaning. I’m tired but feel so much better than earlier this week. 💖

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      1. Housework cures all ills! Lol.
        I’m so glad you’re feeling a little better, Colleen ❤️‍🩹 Keep up the good work. If you want to do more cleaning—come over to my place. 😁

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        1. LOL! It’s hard for me to keep up with, but I work at it. We just added two air purifiers. The cats don’t help with the dander and fur… but the love they give is worth it.

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              1. I’m painting and decorating. Are you well enough to help? 😁

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                1. I’m back at book creating for clients today… otherwise, yes, I would help! 🩷

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                  1. 😁 haha, thanks Colleen!

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                  2. Glad you’re better 💗

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  18. That’s lovely Colleen, well your brain is working again 💞. I hope you feel much better very soon 💐Suzanne

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    1. Thanks, Suzanne. I hate being sick. Thanks for letting me whine. 🤣

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  19. You managed to write a beautiful poem despite feeling so sick. I hope you feel better soon. It sounds awful!! Hugs–from a distance 🙂.

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    1. Thanks so much, Merril. I got up this morning and said that’s enough of being sick. I started cleaning. Now, I feel so much better with clean sheets, towels, bedrooms, and bathrooms! Neil Med Sinus rinse is magical. 😅

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      1. I’m glad you’re feeling better!

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        1. Thanks so much. We installed two air purifiers today. That should help with the cat dander, fur, and dust. I could clean every day and it would still be there!

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  20. Love the beautiful imagery in the Tanka.
    Take care Colleen
    Colds in the cold weather are awful. Try ginger tea with a dash of honey.
    Hoping you recover soon♥️

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    1. Sujata, thank you so much! I have ginger tea and will add some honey. I’m a huge tea drinker. I feel so much better today. 🩷

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  21. Dear Colleen I am so sorry to read this …I had no idea you have been so unwell. I am still off radar at the moment….not sure what going on. I hope to be back soon. Please get well soon 💜💜

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    1. Willow, I was going to email you! After two weeks of being sick, I’ve had it. I got up this morning and cleaned bedrooms, bathrooms, sheets, towels, etc. I feel better now. Tired, but that and my medicated nasal rinse are going to see me through! Keep me up to date if you can. Sending you love. 💗

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      1. I will Colleen, I am so pleased that you are on the mend the magic of positive thoughts is amazing 💜💜💜💜. Stay well but don’t over do things 💜💜

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  22. Hi Colleen, Your tanka is lovely. Sorry to hear that your cold’s been terrible. It’s painful and exhausting to sneeze and cough. I was sick of it. Now I only have a cough and my voice still sounds hoarse. I hope you get better soon. Take care, dear Colleen. XXX

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    1. Smitha, I got up this morning and started cleaning. I’d had it with being sick! I’m tired and sore, but feel much better. You take care. We’ll both still need a couple of days to recuperate. Hugs and love to you! 🩷

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      1. That’s great. I washed my hair, too and dressed well. I grew sick of being sick. So, I totally get you 🙂 Hugs and love to you, too. XXX

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  23. I’m sorry to hear that you are so unwell, sending hugs.

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    1. Thank Paul. After two weeks, I’d had enough. This morning I got up and started cleaning. Now I feel so much better. xx

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  24. Oh Colleen I love your poem but I’m so sorry you’re under the weather. 🤢 I couldn’t help but think of the green grass being part of the smearing on tissues. Ugh!!! Take good care and keep lathering that lotion, drinking lemon water and homely and healing!!! ❤️‍🩹🙏

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    1. Thanks so much, Cindy. I’ve had it with being sick. This morning I got up and started cleaning bedrooms, bathrooms, sheets, and towels. By the way, Neil Med nasal rinse is sent to us mere mortals by the goddess herself. That helps me so much. 💖

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      1. You’re so welcome!! Oh that’s sure sign you are feeling better. Now don’t overdue it. Well that’s great to know.. It’s going into my notes, thanks!!! xo ❤️❣️🙏🏼

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        1. Thanks so much, Cindy. 🌸

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          1. You’re so welcome!!!! ❤️

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  25. I’m sorry you are still under the weather. The starkness of the picture is perfect for your tanka. Please take care of you.

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    1. Thanks, my friend. I’m on the mend. I had enough of this sick $%i! and started cleaning this morning. Clean sheets, towels, vacuumed, and dusted. I couldn’t stand it anymore. 💖

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  26. Sorry to hear that Colleen! I hope you’ll get something from the doctor that helps.

    That was what I had since the end of October last year and last for three months. All the sneezing, coughing, and wheezing hurt my rib cage. So I understand exactly how you feel. My doctor gave me two kinds of powder inhalers and steroid pills. They helped. The allergies are still there and I’ll have an allergy test coming up on Monday.

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    1. Thanks so much, Miriam. I have asthma and am taking numerous medications already. I feel much better than I did a few days ago. I got up today and changed sheets, cleaned bathrooms, and vacuumed the upstairs. I’m definitely on the mend now. It was over two weeks that I felt so bad. 🙏🏻🩷

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      1. Good to hear you’re up and doing things. It sure is a good sign. I think mine is environmental. I never had wheezing until now.

        Hope you continue to feel better. 💞🌹

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  27. Miriam, get an air purifier. I just ordered two for our house (upstairs and downstairs). We have the cats, and I know their hair and dander are a problem. You might have developed some allergies. That can happen at any age, it seems. I hope you feel better too. Sending love and hugs. 🥰

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  28. I love that phrase “green snow shadows” too Colleen. You did well with this tanka even with your muddled brain. I feel muddled with spring allergies. I hope you feel better.

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    1. Thanks, Brad. Try Zyrtec. That helps me so much. Take care and feel better.

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  29. Your poetry shines even when you are sick, Colleen. When I’m sick, I find house cleaning helps me too. It’s a diversion from feeling poorly plus you have a clean house. I am glad you are recovering and Puffs with lotion is so comforting. 🤧

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    1. Thanks, Eugi. We added two air purifiers today. I think the cat hair, dander, and dust have been getting to me. We found out last week our windows are failing. So that’s the next big project!

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      1. That’s too bad about your windows. Yikes! We have 2 air purifies and I feel they help tremendously.

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  30. Ah yes ~ anything for soft tissues! Be well and recover!!

    Spring is on the way. But while looking at the calendar… just getting used to the new ‘day light’ and we have to mess with changing the clocks again next month. What a bother!
    At least the plants don’t have to worry about clocks.

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    1. It even feels like spring here, Jules. March 10th we change the clocks again! 🤦🏼‍♀️

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  31. Wishing you a speedy recovery Colleen! There is nothing worse than a lingering cold and congestion. Beautiful poem, I’m seeing hints of spring everywhere, a favorite time of year. Hugs, C

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  32. Your poem is great, Colleen! I hope you get rid of this cold soon. Sending healing energy your way…

    Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
    http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Yvi. I’m feeling much better. I’m right up to the 3 week mark tomorrow. I have asthma so if I get cold it takes me forever to get back on my feet. But, I’m almost there! Thanks so much for your well wishes. 🩷

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      1. My mom has asthma as well (among other ailments), so I understand what you are saying. Hope the warm weather comes soon to your area. 🙂

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        1. Oh yes… asthma creates another issue altogether. It’s going to be 70 F. today! Unheard of in mid-Michigan in late February. We have thunderstorms predicted for this evening! 😳

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  33. Lovely poem, Colleen, and I’m sorry to hear that you’re still sick. When we had covid for the first time last fall, we had a false negative the first time. And then it lingered. But whether it’s covid, a cold, or pesky allergies, I hope you feel better real soon. Anything is just miserable. Sending more healing hugs your way. xo

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    1. Thanks so much, Lauren. I’m actually on the mend now. But it was a miserable 3 weeks, I can tell you. All my tests came back negative for Covid. I have asthma so a normal cold makes it hard for me to shake. But, I’ve done it. I appreciate your well wishes. 🩷

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      1. Oh, I’m glad to hear that, Colleen, and happy it wasn’t Covid! We had a mild case, but the fatigue knocked us down for weeks. I’m so glad you’re on the mend. Just take care of you! Hugs 💞🌷

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        1. I tested negative for Covid twice. It took another week to feel better, but YAY! I’m feeling much better now. It was all the good energy from everyone that really helped. 🌸

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          1. That’s great, Colleen! Take good care! 💞

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  34. I’m so impressed by your dedication to #TankaTuesday, especially while dealing with illness. Your tanka beautifully captures the delicate beauty of nature despite the challenges you’re facing. Keep up the amazing work! We appreciate you!

    ~David

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    1. David, you are so kind and thoughtful. It took me two day to write that poem. 😂 My brain literally would not work. But, I’m back to work today. Each day I feel better. Thanks for being part of our poetry world. 💖🙏🏻

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  35. It sounds like you have one doozy of a cold, Colleen. I hope you’re starting to feel a little better now. And I love the idea of “green snow shadows.” So magical. And a beautiful poem despite your brain fog. ❤ ❤

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  36. Get well soon Colleen!

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    1. Thanks. I’m feeling great and am back to my old self. (Emphasis on “old.”) 😂

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  37. Colleen, your poem points out there hasn’t been nearly as much wind as there usually is at this time of year. Glad you are on the mend.

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    1. Thanks so much, Lisa. We had some wicked winds a couple of weeks ago. In fact, we found out we have to replace our windows! 🤦🏼‍♀️

      Like

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