Tanka Journal poet

Clarise Samuels

10 poems in Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5

In their own words

Clarise Samuels has published haikus, poems, short stories, and one novel. She is currently working on her second novel. Clarise has a PhD in German literature (Rutgers 1990); her scholarly study of poet Paul Celan can be found in major university libraries. Clarise also does art work (mostly ink and watercolor) and has lately taken up an interest in photography.

stardust and sky swordsmade of lasers and light beamsmagical musesat war in the exosphere–highest good; lowest evil.

Issue 1Issue 1 →

only a momentfrozen here in space and timewandering about–asking our bizarre questionsdemanding discreet answers.

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this harsh realityI think I know it so well;the thing-in-itselfbelies the strange illusion,the reflection of the form.

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clown on a tightropeleaning wildly to one sidewith red, painted grin;perilous balancing actone shaky foot at a time.

Issue 2Issue 2 →

too easy to driftin this murky universe;these are strange forcesattempting to distract me,melting momentarily.

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where were you just then?you flew away to a realmfilled with enchantment–you said you're a bad wizard;you're not anything at all.

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wintry bare branchesweighed down with crystal icesand chalky white snow;ominous windswept landscapediverting my shielded eyes

Issue 3Issue 3 →

gliding a smooth paththrough these silky, silent leavesthat float on the pond;every wolf seeks a swanto know his murderous self.

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floating on a shellon my way to Camelot;I loved Lancelotbecause Arthur, the Sun Kingblinded with his perfection.

Issue 4Issue 4 →

muted historydwells in caverns and treetopsmonsters and dragons–more dream than realityattempting to conquer you.

Issue 5Issue 5 →