Reminiscent of romantic Victorian poetry, Mark Schardine’s collection is filled with intimate snapshots of relationships. Small exchanges that are normally unseen, are revealed by Mark’s quick insight. Composed entirely in the Japanese form of tanka, Charm, Elegance, and Intrigue can bring into sharp focus a moment that gives joy, one that leads to sorrow, or one that becomes an instant memory. Readers may need less than a minute to read a tanka poem, but take much more time to ponder its meaning.