Unchained/Edges Of Desire (5 Tanka) Poem by Ben Gieske

unchained
loving these words
I hunger for your touch
I knew not then
how sweet would be your touch

listen to winter
all loneliness and chill
don’t wait
whispering snow
gently touch your blanket here

little bird
singing
its heart
larger than the world
can ever know

washed ashore
from the ocean deep
seashell dreams
echo in my ear
pleasures & treasures

her tongue
tracing edges of desire
against my palm
flicking a sensual prayer
along my fingers


Published in 'Modern English Tanka', vol.2, No.3, Spring 2008