Beasts of Burden

A rather unusual theme for a poetry challenge, by Elsie Hagley at

Weekly Tanka Prompt Challenge – Week 57

It brings out instincts other than the poetic. A set of tankas for this …

They will stand taller
by stepping on your burden
underestimate
only at your own peril
a brave spirit shall triumph

You never learnt how
to do the menial jobs
they know the nitty gritty
of the soil and terrain
Beware! Animals can think

Conditioning traps
are used by you to enslave
habit works for you
smarter masters can reverse
all to plot your downfall

Rarefied peaks
cut you off from the soil
where wisdom prevails
Mother Earth teaches patience
and charges existence