Happy Haiku for You
Sometimes in summer, we need to lighten or change our routines. I needed to lighten my mood early this summer after receiving a professional critique that made me feel like I was couldn't write my way out of a paper bag. I actually stopped writing, but haiku came to my rescue!
I sat on the back deck pouting with my journal, observing nature - clematis, sunflowers, and kids frolicking with their dad. I doodled with words. The simple, 3 line, 5-7-5 haiku format seemed safe. I couldn't mess that up, right? RIGHT.
My journaling flowed, haiku made me happy. BAM! I was writing. I even used haiku to attack a shelved story, now ready to submit. Switching gears and formats made the difference!
Join Me in Some Haiku
I'm sharing my haiku and some photos as possible prompts. Join in the fun and share your haiku in the comments. Traditional haiku is more contemplative but some of mine are active. (and may fudge a syllable or 2.) Just play and do it your way.
Fun! I usually post Haiku on Wednesdays on my blog. I LOVE combining my photos with Haiku. It is freeing, to write in such a constrained way. Word play!
ReplyDeleteAngie, I need to head your way on Wed.
DeleteGray and empty land
ReplyDeletecold to bare against the rose
its spirit still breathes.
Lovely. Ty for sharing.
DeleteApples and leaves drift,
ReplyDeletea red blanket preparing
trees for winter sleep.
Such a great extended metaphor, Carrie.
DeleteLovely post--thanks for sharing. Now to write one about that flying cat... ;-)
ReplyDeleteMaybe Langston will help?
DeleteThese are wonderful, Kathy! Haiku is a great way to meditate and slow down to see the world around us. The best part: they are postcard short! Thanks for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteTy for enjoying them.
DeleteI loved this, Kathy! And I was thinking about this post as I strolled along the waterfront with my dog and looked across the river to see: The Freedom Tower/Draped in a mantle of gray/Shrouded. Seeking Peace.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration!
I feel the calm and peace, Patricia. TY.
DeleteMy CP is on a roll with creativity! Love the challenge Kathy. Here goes for kitty:
ReplyDeleteFlying! Eyes steady!
Look out birdy! Here I come!
FLAP! Kibble again.
Fun, Charlotte. Love the humor and action, bravo!
DeleteThis is a fun interpretation!
DeleteHow fun. I love haiku. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina. Loved it since I was in grade school. Began reading Bashō around 7th grade!
DeleteBeautiful haiku, Kathy! Haiku makes me happy, too. :)
ReplyDeleteAlways great to add a smile to your day, Patty. Hugs and thanks for the twitter shoutout! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy!
ReplyDeleteI've never attempted to write haiku before, although I've written plenty of poetry over the years. Your ginger cat photo inspired me to give it a try...
Magical kitty,
seeming to float on thin air.
Warrior feline.
Great post!
Donna L Martin