For several years now I have been writing haiku. For me it  is a deep personal connection to my life and surroundings. I enjoy this form of poetry because of the structure it gives. It is typically a 5-7-5, three sentence format. The short poem is comprised of 17 syllables in total.

They are poignant, contemplative and often describe the mundane in surprising ways. I call my haiku, zanshin haiku because I am most aware of my present when I write them.

The term zanshin, when used in the martial arts embodies having a total awareness. It means being aware of one’s  surroundings, while being prepared to act. For me its an appropriate method of haiku, since they usually come to me in a flash when I’m in the moment. My haiku aren’t profound, at least I don’t think so, but each one is relevant to me and to a moment in my life that required I capture it this way. Some people take pictures. I take pictures too, I just use words. Here are some of my word pictures:

Forgiveness

A dying ember

Love springs reborn in my heart

Wiping all things new.

 

Winter

Bitter winds cutting

Empty branches embracing

My world is frozen.

 

Little boy

Innocence and joy

Hanging on your mother’s hip

Love. No conditions.

 

Grief

Fading yet present

Memories of the future

Embracing my mind.

 

Bliss

Unconditional

Love expressed by a soft touch

Rest your head on me.

 

These are a few of my zanshin haiku. Each of these has a story behind them-but I will keep those a secret for now. Eventually I will compile them and put them in book form ( once I discover that eighth day), in the meantime I will share them here with you.

Let me know what you think. I enjoy hearing from you. If you wish, please share some of your poetry here with me. Do you enjoy haiku or not?

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