What is a western tanka?

Answer 1

A Western (English) tanka is a form of poetry, similar to haiku. While the traditional Japanese tanka consists of 5 lines, with lines 1 and 3 having 5 syllables while the others have 7, syllables don't matter in a Western tanka. They are just supposed to be 5 lines, usually using nature imagery.

Answer 2

A western tanka is a modern adaptation of the traditional Japanese tanka poetry form. It typically follows a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable structure and is often written in English. Western tanka may also incorporate the use of rhyme and explore a wider range of themes compared to traditional Japanese tanka.