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Tanaga


The Tanaga is a type of short Filipino poem, consisting of four lines with seven syllables each with the same rhyme at the end of each line --- that is to say a 7-7-7-7 syllable form, with an AAAA rhyme pattern.

Its modern counterpart, The Modern Tanaga, still uses the 7777 syllable count, but rhymes range from dual rhyme forms: AABB, ABAB, ABBA; to freestyle forms such as AAAB, BAAA, or ABCD. Tanagas do not have titles traditionally because the Tanaga should speak for itself. However, moderns can opt to give them titles.

While the Tanaga is originally intended to be written in Tagalog, it has been written in other languages such as English. Like-minded poets from all over the world are encouraged to utilize the Tanaga.

Example:

In the Old Tagalog original:

"Catitibay ca tolos
sacaling datnang agos!
aco’I momonting lomot
sa iyo,I popolopot."

In the Modern Tagalog syllabication:
Katitibay ka Tulos
Sakaling datnang agos!
Ako'y mumunting lumot
sa iyo'y pupulupot.

Translation:
Oh be resilient you Stake
Should the waters be coming!
I shall cower as the moss
To you I shall be clinging.

(Article from http://tanaga.blogspot.com/2005/03/resurrecting-dying-art-form.html)

My example:

Sa mga tala tagos
Ang aking pusong upos
Nasunog man ng lubos
Tahimik na natapos

Translation:
Way beyond the stars
My heart’s reduced to ashes
Though completely burned up
I ended in silence.

Rules:
1) Tanaga written in English or or Filipino are welcome. (If you've written in Tagalog, translation is optional)
2) Modern Tanaga are also encouraged i.e. with dual/free rhyme forms and with title
3) You can enter up to 5 tanaga.
4) Have fun reviving this dying beautiful poetic form.



Contest is Over

  • Contest was judged on January 16
  • Rewards: Gold: 400, Silver: 300, Bronze: 200
  • Final notes:
    thank you all in participating in my contest...please share this poetic form to others and continue writing using this form...God bless!!!

Contest Winners

  1. Tanaga [1]
    by Peripatetic 3 lines, 1 comment, on Jan 6 3:16 PM. In Thoughts
    Gold trophy winner
    • Commented on by judge. [remove]
  2. tanaga tango
    coffee eyes will slowly close
    kitchen sharing our repose
    by carole21 4 lines, 1 comment, on Jan 14 10:57 AM. In Contest, Other, Tanaga
    Silver trophy winner
    • Commented on by judge. [remove]
  3. Gentle Queen (Tanaga)
    Dance with me across the sea,
    stunning island I’ll take thee.
    by Paloszoo 4 lines, 3 comments, on Jan 13 11:38 AM
    Bronze trophy winner
    • Commented on by judge. [remove]

Entries [10]

1 - 10 of 10
  • Untitled.
    by Black Narcissus 7 lines, 4 comments, on Jan 5 7:55 AM. In Sad
    • Commented on by judge.
  • [ ]
    by penciledlives 8 lines, 3 comments, on Jan 5 10:19 AM. In Love
    • Commented on by judge.
  • Finally
    Self surrender is the key
    willful denial it be
    by 2lullabyhaven 3 lines, 2 comments, on Jan 5 1:23 PM. In Contest, tanaga.
    • Commented on by judge.
  • Put You In It
    Dare you bring me, no you?
    why are you repainting love?
    by 2lullabyhaven 3 lines, 2 comments, on Jan 5 1:31 PM. In Contest, Thoughts, Tanaga
    • Commented on by judge.
  • Tanaga [2]
    by Peripatetic 3 lines, 3 comments, on Jan 6 4:41 PM
    • Commented on by judge.
  • Heavenly Angels
    Angels sent down from above,
    to give a baby their love.
    by peggi 3 lines, 5 comments, on Jan 14 12:37 PM
    • Commented on by judge.
  • Daddy
    You had a place in my heart,
    I miss you so very much.
    by peggi 3 lines, 3 comments, on Jan 14 12:39 PM
    • Commented on by judge.

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