Shoulders of Giants (string tanka)

by Larry Chamberlin   May 27, 2015


He lies most peaceful
who leaves this earth in knowledge
that one's legacy
is built by generations
of self-reliant children.

So often it is
the shoulders of our children
bearing us old ones,
mysterious smiles upon
our appreciative faces.

    report violation
2


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Latest Comments

  • 9 years ago

    by Maple Tree

    Judging Comment

    Spectacular and powerful tanka string by Larry this week! I loved it!!

    The message of who is the giant? The parent or the child? Child leans on parents for comfort and growth but the parent learns from the child's strength. Such a powerful and beautiful life experience.. Lovely poem here!!

  • 9 years ago

    by Meena Krish

    Each generation have their moments and as each one passes on, upon their shoulders we move on! Each generation has something to teach the future-from one set of children to the other!

    • 9 years ago

      by Larry Chamberlin

      And each successive generation pulls their past one along with it, borne upon their own shoulders

  • 9 years ago

    by Everlasting

    Whenever I read "shoulders of Giants," I think of Isaac Newton. He knew whom to follow. Nice tanka.

    • 9 years ago

      by Larry Chamberlin

      Yes & those who followed him were grateful for his shoulders as well, such as Stephen Hawking.

      Thank you for inspiring the second verse!

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