the bleak sea beckons
the eldritch lighthouse looms
spirals of light
my body belongs to it
will I ever get home

***Mild Spoilers Ahead***

“Spirals of Light” is based on the “Black Lighthouse” chapter of Uzumaki. The main characters of Uzumaki view the lighthouse as this ancient broken blemish on the town. It carries a very unsettling air, especially when paired with the ocean’s gloominess. Suddenly, the lighthouse mysteriously comes to life. Yet, instead of helping ships, its light hypnotizes the citizens of Kurouzucho. Those under its sway walk in circles against their wills. This is the part I wanted to portray in this tanka, specifically the people’s helplessness.

If you enjoyed “Spirals of Light” check out the other tanka in this series.