Find part 1 and the explanation for this series here. The title of each poem is the actual meetup group name and first line or two of each tanka is taken from or inspired by that particular meetup’s description.

“Dellwood Park, Lockport – Cosplay Meetup,” photo by Rick Drew

WALKING DEAD MEETUP
Sure, let’s just say this
group is for fans of the show.
Everyone ignore
the zombie in the corner.
Or don’t. Zombies need love, too.

ASHEVILLE AUTHENTIC SINGLES
Meet others in an
authentic, connected way.
Dating is not for
the anxious, the easily
discouraged … face it, the sane.

BREATHE ASHEVILLE
You know that life force
that keeps us alive? Just breathe.
If you need a group
to remind you to inhale,
don’t hold your breath: join this one.

COUNTRY LIVING
Down-to-earth people
into canning, crafts, front porch
hangs. No back porch hangs —
that’s a different meet up group,
and no, you can’t wear your chaps.

ASHEVILLE MASTERMIND GROUP
Work on the major
global issues. Why start small?
Shit is going straight
to hell in a handbasket.
No time for small talk, bitches.