Mirror Tanka Poem by Chen-ou Liu

her toothbrush
in my medicine chest
declares residency…
gazing at the mirror
a face hard to recognize


Tanka Third Place,2011 San Francisco International Competition Haiku, Senryu, Tanka, and Rengay sponsored by the Haiku Poets of Northern California
Published in Mariposa


Judge's Comment

The apparently effortless humor of the poet adds lightness to this tanka and makes it stand out from other submissions. But there is something more: a conflict present in the last two lines. This tanka led me toward another reading of Salad Anniversary by Machi Tawara. For this I thank the poet.

http: //www.hpnc.org/past-contests/2012-contest-results-with-judges-comments