Humble Haiku

Here are some more Haiku that I have written in the last couple of days. I am going to try and write at least one a day as part of my daily routine. I am finding that the process is great food for the soul. I am deciding for the moment to stick with the three lined 5-7-5 syllable counting form as I am enjoying trying to find freedom within these tight boundaries. However, after recently reading about Gary Snyder's views on the topic, I imagine that I will soon change all that. (Here is a great interview you can read if the desire is yours: Gary Snyder talks with Udo Wenzel )

But for now, here are my four latest humble Haiku attempts.

A flag, a symbol
of man drawing boundaries
on that which is free

Death is stalking us
so I celebrate the day;
it could be our last.

All about is still
while up above, clouds move fast.
Summer starts to wane.

The little kitten
cuddles me with her sharp claws.
It is true, love hurts.

Haiku

I wrote a few more Haiku last night during a moment of procrastination. I should try to write them daily as I find it such a meditative experience that really helps me to reconnect with the 'here and now'.


The candle flickers
releasing scent from the wax;
my ears and nose smile


Fingers kissing keys
tippity-tip-tap-tip-tap...
a poem is born


Rumble of traffic
beneath the orange street lamps
where moths learn to dance

Hello Haiku

I have recently become interested in Haiku; it is a form of poetry that really appeals to my minimalistic sensibilities. For the uninitiated, there are many great websites that can explain what Haiku is and learning about it's origins is a pure delight.
Haiku is usually written in three lines consisting of five syllables on the first line, seven on the second line then five on the third line. (5-7-5) A Haiku should also be written in the present tense, it should encapsulate a raw experience that is very much in the 'here and now'. Traditionally, Haiku were composed in reverence or respect of nature. Here are several I have written today (I have also taken inspiration from some of my previous pieces of writing and reworked them into the Haiku form).

baby blue petals
awoken by the morning
illumination

the sun on my tongue
while I carry these flowers
to my mother's grave

stepping cautiously
lest I awaken daisies
that sleep underfoot

the moon loves the earth
caught in a gravity dance
around and around

the morning laughter
gently ushers me from sleep
hello dawn chorus

watch the bumble bee
as it flies across my grave
it will not sting you