“A Few Haiku (17)”

On By Mike U.In Poetry

(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#97)

I have burned my hands
In the furnace of the past
Stoking memories

…..

(#98)

Stars write arias
For the bashful moon to sing
But who will listen

…..

(#99)

I have made my peace
Sitting under willow trees
In the green shadows

…..

(#100)

Does the floating leaf
Fear whitewater’s treachery
It has no regrets

…..

(#101)

Put my ear to ground
Listen to the planet’s heart
Know my place on earth

…..

(#102)

In the hushed forest
Eternity speaks to me
In jade whisperings

31 thoughts on ““A Few Haiku (17)””

    1. Thanks, David. I like the whole concept of “Words are Legos” in that you can play around with them and build some unique combinations that not only get a point across but also look and sound good. It makes writing so much fun. I get a real kick out of reading your poetry and enjoying your Lego-building skills. You’ve created some clever word-play! 🙂

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  3. I can hardly pick my favorite one today, they’re all sooooo good! Maybe #99 because I’m very much a lover of trees. 🌳
    I always look forward to these. You’re the best haiku writer I know. 😉

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    1. You’re always too kind, Michelle. Thanks so much for the compliment. It really means a lot to me. *humbled* 🙂 I’m so glad to know you liked these little pieces. And really, what’s better than sitting in the green shadows beneath a willow tree? I used to live in a tiny town that had a river flowing through it, and every day I could smell the perfume of the willows and the water. I miss that place.

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      1. Oh it sounds like the kind of place I’d never want to leave. ❤️ I used to have a river willow in my front yard and and I miss the days when I could lay out under it and just stare off into the bluest of skies. There was plenty of room to roam and be free there. Plus the land was surrounded by a forest and so I felt like I had my only little spot on this great big planet. I miss that place and your poem really brought it all back to me. These are the kinds places that stay embedded in our hearts and minds forever. 🌳

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    1. Thanks, Kirsten. I guess it’s rather obvious by now I have a thing for trees. I’d love to spend all day today in the forest, too. Even though the leaves have fallen, there are still plenty of conifers where I live, with several mountain ranges nearby. My second-favorite place in the world (just behind Heceta Head Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast) is Trout Lake, only an hour from here in SW Colorado. There are plenty of forested areas there and I miss exploring them. It’s been too long. Anyway, I’m glad you liked this one. Much appreciated. 🙂

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    1. Thanks for your kind comment, Reena. I liked the concept of the moon and stars (and for that matter, all of nature) surrounding us all the time, but we just don’t seem to care enough to experience and protect our world. On a lighter note, I like the idea of a “bashful moon” peeking from behind the curtain of the trees, nervous to go onstage and sing its song. 🙂 Thanks again for commenting. I appreciate it. 🙂

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    2. Your words are much appreciated, Reena. I think all of us are tested throughout our lives, all of us struggle. It can turn our hearts to stone if we let it, if we allow anger and frustration to harden us. I have my own unique set of obstacles I must deal with in my daily life. Sometimes I’m not very good at working around them. Our histories certainly play a major role in how we see life, how easily we adapt to challenges. For me, I think being alone all the time for so long has allowed me to have plenty of time to ponder things I’ve experienced. Sometimes this is not a good thing, but it can be helpful to recognize things we need to work on in order to help us get through life. To me, it seems like there are really only two options when dealing with life’s struggles: anger or acceptance. I’m still angry about lots of things, but learning to accept them results in a kind heart that helps me see things in a better light. Being tested isn’t fun, that’s for sure. Discovering we can find peace in the midst of struggles is crucial to our well-being. Nature is my peace. Sharing my love for nature through writing and photography is my peace. And when it resonates with people, I feel like I’ve found my purpose in life. 🙂 Sorry for rambling. I’m just moved by your kind words. Thanks so much. 🙂

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      1. Yes we all are tested at times ,
        It varies in shades ,
        To some life merge all hues and Chrome’s in one go , And yes you can paint a beautiful picture of your choice with your thoughts and action,❣️

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  7. It’s difficult for me to find the words to weave together something like a haiku. I’ve never been one for simplicity- I always have more to say.

    I love reading haiku. They’re so quick, so my short attention span doesn’t prevent me from enjoying them. And they’re beautiful, too. Easy to love and easy to read, what is there not to like?

    You’ve done an excellent job with these, my hat off to you.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kindness. I feel fortunate that my words resonate with you and others. It truly means a lot to me. I also understand your words regarding the haiku form. I always wrote prose in my younger years (and some of my short fiction was more in the realm of the novella in length), and I never thought I’d be able to condense an idea or an emotion or an image down into three lines. So, I was surprised when I began writing haiku that I could simplify things enough to fit the brevity of the format. My attention span nowadays prevents me from writing longer material like I used to, so I find writing these mini-collections of haiku and tanka a way to sort of refuel my mind in between longer poetry. And I have to say I love this format. Little slices of life, moments in time. I feel like a little kid when I write these and I can’t wait to share them. So, I appreciate your nice comments and I’m so glad you enjoyed these. Much appreciated. 🙂

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  8. “I have burned my hands
    In the furnace of the past
    Stoking memories

    She has scars on her hands
    From the fires of yesterday
    She still holds them out anyway

    She knows she can’t erase the past
    But she decided long ago
    To let go of the pain

    She finds words are like balm
    Applied to the right spot
    It gives her what she needs

    To keep the flames going
    Without getting burned by the furnace
    Filled with memories.

    🖋️ thank you for opening the door.

    Jeanna’ Soul

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    1. This is beautiful, Jeanna. So much of my writing deals with expressing pain, but very little of it concerns any sort of resolution to it. I’m still dealing with a lot of things, many of which are stubbornly sticking in those dark corners of my mind. I love that you’ve used my initial haiku about painful memories and have woven a tale of resolution, of hope that things can improve. Thank you for this. I’m so glad my little poem spoke to you in such a big way. I appreciate this. 🙂

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  9. “Put my ear to ground
    Listen to the planet’s heart
    Know my place on earth”

    Loved all, Mike.. so beautiful, as usual👍🙂

    I read the above conversation too, and also liked the poem written by jeannasoul. You poets are truly amazing 👍🙂

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    1. Thanks, Saima. The impromptu collaboration with Jeanna was fun. To have someone take something I’ve created and expand on it is a delightful experience. She did a really good job, that’s for sure. Thanks for your kindness, Saima. I appreciate it so much. 🙂

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