curled grass sways
streets roamed by dust devils
the spiral is all
the perfect spiral is within
I will end where I begin

The inspiration for this tanka comes from the first chapter of Junji Ito’s Uzumaki manga or the first episode of the anime, if that is your flavor. Spoilers ahead for those unfamiliar with the series. The series centers on Kirie Goshima and follows her experiences in the town of Kurouzucho, which is infected with spirals. This infection affects the residents both physically and mentally, resulting in some unique body horror. The first victim is Kirie’s boyfriend’s father. His obsession with spirals causes him to contort his body into one. My tanka is a potential peek into his final thoughts.