What are you? I ask.
A black dragon, he declares.
And the light singing
into deep nights of winter.
This red rose—bitter and sweet.

(tanka 5-7-5-7-7)

Several years ago, I was inspired to write a sort of poetic retort to the question, “What are you?” In those awkward moments where you don’t quite know how to reply to a question and are left stumbling for words, you may find a window to unusual answers. My poem took the form of a Japanese tanka (5-7-5-7-7) in English:

What are you? They ask.
A pink flower, i declare.
And darkness dancing
into light waves of seashore.
Jaguar’s soft skin and heartbeat.

Recently I was inspired to flip the question and create a mirrored reply. The tanka at the top is the result. And you? What are you?