The elements of the tanka are:
1. syllabic, 31 or fewer syllables, most commonly 5-7-5-7-7, in variation the lines are best kept with odd-numbered syllables.
2. normally but not always a 5 line poem, the 5 line pattern however does seem to prevail.
3. defined by content and style more than the syllabic prescription. But there is still a pattern of short and long lines rather than a metered equal length.
4. written as a personal or emotional expression of themes such as natural beauty, love, the impermanence of life, the activities of the common people
5. composed with the priority of "to be touched by things" "mono no aware" and use of concrete images.