A Shawl of Mist: Tanka: Expressing the Modern Soul in an Ancient Poetic Style [Paperback]

The concept of a universal human nature suggests that American scholars and American readers of Japanese literature may interpret the elements in Japanese tanka based on emotions  and on meanings attached to natural images  that are common to all of humanity. It is hoped that readers will experience this ancient style of Japanese poetry in such a way that they are inspired to write their own tanka poems. Such is one of the purposes of A Shawl of Mist. Another purpose of this book is to share essays written to accompany and complement the tanka poems. The short essays included here provide practical thoughts based on the authors long years of personal and professional experiences  studying, reading, teaching, thinking, and especially, cherishing each day of living  in Japan, the United States, and Guam.Yukiko Inoue-Smith, Ph.D., has been a member of the faculty of the School of Education at the University of Guam since 1997. Inoue has been extensively involved in work with tanka, which is Japans oldest and most esteemed poetry genre. Inoue is a professor of educational psychology and research, and considers poetry an equally important element of her lifes work.

Preface
Foreword
A Historical Overview of Japanese Language, Literature, and Poetry

Haiku: Interpretation and Appreciation
Tanka: Expressing the Modern Soul in an Ancient Style
My future is here and now
Yellow roses, you must be
A treasure box in heart
Where you are planted
The power of happiness
The Cinderella complex
A linked verse: the winds of America
Space clearing and clutter clearing
To throw it away or not
Philosophy of life
Flame trees
Practical applications
Every day we are alive
Reflections on one life
If Edisons analysis were applied
Self-directed e-learning
Things I cannot live without
Start on your journey
Life is a personal mission
Thoughts on aging
Photographs of ourselves
Rules recommended for Life
Cl³"