after the dancing ---
the wind in the pines
and the insects' cries
Sogetsu-Ni
When I think dancing, spontaneous rhythm comes to mind. How often do we dance? How often do we pause after the dancing and listen? Do we dance in the rhythm of nature or are we jerking along and working against the natural flow of energy?
I am reminded of some music genres. Some artists find this rhythm with the flow of energy more easily than others. I am also thinking this is true of all artists. Maybe this is what Julia Cameron is also attempting to help artists find. She has coined the phrase "The Artist's Way" and maybe this is the true secret, dancing.
a warm full day,
learning from this rock
to do nothing
Paul O. Williams
Everything naturally created has a purpose. Naturally created objects always have a message for me when I choose to listen. This what I've learned. Even the desert has messages after living here 20+ years.
the spirit, the truth
of silent prayer ---
just the moon on the road
Kikusha-Ni
The quiet evening is an acknowledged time for reflection. The moon reflects the sun's light as we reflect upon the day's events. The seeker takes this moment to listen for the truths learned that day. The spirit patiently waits for us to understand its messages.
the wind
forced to blow
on concrete, steel, and glass
Jack Cain
Wind has a lot of freedom where I live. The northern pressure system from the Arctic and the air system just above the equator both enjoy traveling across northern Nevada mountains and valleys. Many times they love to converge along my latitudinal region. The force funnels through an opening towards the open Bonneville Salt Flats. My community rests on the edge of the mountain base with mountains running north/south on the west side of town and then east/west on the north side of town. I don't particularly care for the strong winds of winter but neither do I care for the stagnant air of summer. Of course, I like the perfect smooth air movement, the ideal of life's gentle changes.
Tall buildings here are minimal. The wind shaking the house's foundation and lifting off roof tiles is common. When the wind has a destination, only the mountains have the power to hold their place. Yet, you can see the impact of the wind against the rock after a span of time. So, what does that tell us about the natural world? Even strong composites of life are forced to change from the invisible energy force.
a stick goes over the falls at sunset
Cor Van Den Heuvel
This poem is not formatted like the other haiku I've posted. Different ideas of the modern haiku are being discussed in poetry societies, I've learned.
I like this one because I immediately recall throwing twigs, leaves, and other natural objects into the streams. When I w was a child I was always drawn to the water when camping. Even now I love to stop at the pull-outs along the Idaho rivier highways and simply watch the water rushing along its path.
across the fields of stubble
flame stalks flame
David Cobb
I don't claim to fall into the "wise old woman" category but my observations of life so far --- this haiku says a lot. After a field has given all it is capable, a burning season is needed so that things can grow again. In life, the flames usually don't feel too great. Sometimes, just when we think the flames are finished, more arises. I remind myself, though, of the before and after images of the contemporary volcano. Once charred, it now now flourishes with growth.
a white lotus ---
the monk decides to cut it!
Buson Yosa
As I explore the work of early haiku writers, I learn more about the Asian belief systems. For example, the lotus is a Buddhist symbol. The flower exemplifies purity and is found in muddy water. A key aspect of the Buddhist belief is the Enlightenment and the white lotus symbolizes this process.
ancient pond ---
frog jumps in
sound of the water
Basho Matsuo
Frequently I have come upon this haiku as a known example by Basho. Something about the essential life source of water connects to readers. We have hopefully all heard the sound water makes when something like a frog jumps in. I think a key word here is actually "ancient." We so easily forget in our more developed, modern environment that water and other other essential elements existed before human life.
The time it takes ---
for snowflakes to whiten
the distant pines.
Lorraine Ellis Harr
I enjoy this haiku because it so simply expresses the experience. Sitting in a quiet setting I too have been oblivious of time watching the snowflakes fall. Haiku finds a way to recreate the natural experience; it creates an image that triggers your emotions from a related experience.
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