Theme Prompt, Poetry, Writing Prompts, Writing Challenge, Lai

Singed

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Written for Tanka Tuesday where
Melissa challenges us to write a lai.

Image by Me & ChatGPT

drawn toward the bright white,
longing for night’s light…
no fear.
wings flutter, ignite
against the dark night…
to sear.
pulled beyond its might,
consumed in delight…
too near.

NAR©2026

Nancy’s Notes: A lai is a French form that is comprised of nine lines, each with a specific syllable count. The rhyme scheme is a/a/b/a/a/b/a/a/b. Lines ending with an “a” rhyme have five syllables and the lines ending with a “b” rhyme have two syllables.

This is “Moth to the Flame” by Thunder

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 70, The Lai 6/23/26

Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.

24 thoughts on “Singed”

  1. Pingback: Truth Hurts (a lai poem) – Ivor.Plumber/Poet

  8. You penned the ‘lai’ poem perfectly …
    Another new poem format for me to try my friend

    I don’t swallow krill
    Nor kill for the thrill
    Truth hurts
    I’m an awkward dill
    With a broken quill
    Truth hurts
    I can’t light the grill
    My flame has no will
    Truth hurts

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