(L-R) The late Deborah P Kolodji and Mariko Kitakubo (Photo – Mariko)
POETS SALON
– 07/24/24
Hosted by Kathabela Wilson
These are the last two new works written together by dear friends Mariko Kitakubo and Deborah P Kolodji. They created this form called Tan-Ku (a combination of Tanka by Mariko and Haiku by Debbie). Distance is a collection of their work together in 2023 by Shabdha Press. Deborah’s newest book, Vital Signs, Haiku glimpses of moments in her cancer journey was published in 2024 by Cuttlefish Books. In Vital Signs, Deborah sees the condor come back from extinction as a metaphor for the cancer patient fighting for one’s own survival.
Deborah P Kolodji passed away in her sleep on July 21, 2024 after a long struggle with cancer. Her positive energy, beautiful writing and leadership in our poetry world continues to inspire us all.
~ Kathabela
Fireworks
longing
is always lonely sky…
under
the jacaranda
fireworks finalefar away and yet…
the meteor shower
lights up the sky
(2024.7.1)
Mariko Kitakubo
Deborah P Kolodji
ΟΟΟ
Soul Sisters (Photos – Mariko)
Tanabata
palm leaf sounds…
turquoise manicure
in midsummer
resting on the shore
bringing us closeryour thumb as you hang
the tanzaku
our matching wishes
(2024.7.14)
Mariko Kitakubo
Deborah P Kolodji
Ο
“Distance”
Positive Energy: Notes and Credits
Mariko Kitakubo is a tanka poet in Tokyo, Japan. Deborah P Kolodji wrote haiku in Temple City, CA.
“Distance,” of responsive tanka and haiku, is published by Shabda Press.
Suggest your own theme or write Kathabela for a theme suggestion. We publish every two weeks. Send short poems, free verse, haiku, senryu, tanka, cherita, haibun, tanka prose, short prose poems, etc., or your own unique approach, to Kathabela by text message or (click here to email her directly). We can feature your work again after five months. Multiple submissions can be saved to appear later:
- Send a short bio, with comments on your theme.
- Send photos or artwork by you, or friends.
- Put your poems directly in the email.
- No attachments except photos.
End of article
Lovely work by Mariko and Debbie. I am so saddened by the loss of such a beautiful soul as Debbie.
Kathabela this is wonderful. Thank you so much for writing the article. I had not heard of them creating tanku. I love the idea. And these last 2 are quite poignant. I love them both.
I tried to preorder vital signs when Deborah told me about it. I wasn’t sure if it worked there was some kind of glitch. I wrote the publisher twice but never got an answer. Do you know if it is available at Amazon? And what about the book the two of them wrote?