(c) 2022 by Michael L. Utley
(#187)
the forsaken vase
still stands where you left it
waiting for your flower
…..
(#188)
in the end
my heaven could not redeem
your hell
…..
(#189)
memories of you
litter the oak-shadowed grass
I tread carefully
…..
(#190)
coy spring tarries
just beyond my winter heart
how I yearn for her
…..
(#191)
strawberry spring
the false hope of redemption
as the storm draws nigh
…..
(#192)
my destitute mind
is as barren as my heart
all the words have gone
Silent Pariah 
What an amazing collection of haiku. Your ability to reveal non-physical aspects through physical ones is great. You write so well, Mike my friends. I tip off my hat for you. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lamittan. Your enthusiasm and support mean a lot to me, good sir! Much appreciated. I’ve had such a hard time with writer’s block recently. These finally made their way out of my head and onto the screen. It was good to finally get something written again. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely LOVE these Mike. They are all so distinct and special. #188 is so powerful and #187 is so touching. Your talent is amazing.πππππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t even begin to tell you what this means to me, Grace. I’ve struggled recently to find the words to write anything. Part of it is the season, part of it is life-long major depression and its damning effects on creativity, concentration and inspiration, and part of it is simple sadness and loneliness. I read your daily poetry and it’s so filled with light and hope, and it helps by providing constant perspective adjustments for me. I’m so relieved to finally get some writing posted. This collection took weeks to assemble, with so many erasures and deletions, so much uncertainty and frustration and self-doubt. To know these little poems resonate with you means so much to me. I can’t thank you enough, Grace. Sincerely, I’m so appreciative of your constant support. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
This truly touches my heart, dear Mike. Life always presents ups and downs, I am so sorry you have been feeling this way, at times we can be our own worst critics. You are filled with so many beautiful talents that reflect through your words and photography. Just keep going, as you touch my heart, I am sure you touch many others. Keep shining , my friend . Your posts are always such a treat.πππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Infinite thanks, Grace. I’m so glad for your presence here on WordPress. *feeling humbled and filled with gratitude* π
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome. πππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is awesome ππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Dennis. I’m so pleased you enjoyed these haiku. I appreciate your kindness and support so much! Many thanks. π
LikeLike
The haiku collection is amazing but I love # 187 the most. It’s touching, dear Mike! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Jane. I find #187 so personal–I’m that forsaken vase, awaiting the flower that will never come. I write a lot of melancholic poetry but it helps me process feelings and emotions. Thank goodness for poetry, right? As always, your kindness and support are so appreciated. π
LikeLike
You are welcome, Mike. That’s right. We can do poetry so we can share our feelings with others. It is not right to suppress emotions and cause them to erupt at any time. Take care, dear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A couple painful ones in the mix today, Mike. They are all lovely. Wonderful poetry, my friend. βΊοΈ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jeff. Yep, some sad ones in this batch. I’ve been really struggling with writer’s block lately and ended up with some melancholy results. I don’t mind, really–it helps me deal with what’s going on in my life. Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement, good sir! Much appreciated. π
LikeLike
Not from where I’m sitting, Mike… I think your words remain beautiful and powerful.
β€
David
LikeLiked by 1 person
You always know exactly what to say to shine some light in the darkness, David. Thanks so much. This really means a lot to me. I’m so thankful for your support and encouragement. *tips cap* π
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are beautiful, Mike. I have 3 favourites though. 187, 189 and 192. 189 is my most special favourite. I love the idea of treading carefully through memories. And I relate strongly to 192 – the loss of words. Sometimes it feels terrifying. And 187 I just liked the moment I read it but can’t really explain why. But they all contain power within simplicity. Beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your wonderful comment. I’m so glad these spoke to you. I like #187 for its bare-bones simplicity (I am that forlorn vase awaiting the flower that never comes). #192 describes my ongoing frustration with writer’s block (depression really wrecks creativity, concentration, motivation and inspiration). #189 comes from another of my earlier poems titled “In Time to Come.” I loved the notion of the “oak-shadowed grass” and thought it was perfect imagery for a haiku, so I borrowed it from my own poem. π Memories are certainly delicate things, and some must be handled carefully. I’m so glad you enjoyed these, and I appreciate your kind review! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Mike, Another great collection. #187 is the one that stands out for me. But they are all wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, Mark. Thanks for the kind words. #187 seems to be the most notable of this bunch as far as the comments are concerned. It’s such a simple, thoughtful haiku with unobtrusive imagery and a dose of longing and sadness (my life in a nutshell, or in this case, a vase!). π Thanks for your constant and unwavering support, Mark. It means a lot to me and I appreciate it so much! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love them all Mike! Each one so different yet delivers such a vivid lyrical message!
π
I think this one is my fav but I love them all.
π
“the forsaken vase
still stands where you left it
waiting for your flower”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks, Cindy! I’m so glad you enjoyed these. I thought #187 described my life perfectly–I am that vase, awaiting that flower that will never come (the one that was taken away so long ago). I struggled with this bunch. Usually I can sit down and write a collection of six haiku in an hour or so, but this selection took weeks due to writer’s block (described in #192). I was just happy to get something written again. Your kindness is so appreciated. Thanks so much! π
LikeLike
tranquil lyrics with hidden torrent, reflecting an acute insight to things and feelings in a philosophical mind! Love them all. “Oak-shadowed….” brings the immenseness to me instantly…. so poetic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for this wonderful comment. I’ve been struggling with writing as of late, so most of these are rather pensive and sad. With regards to the “oak-shadowed” haiku, I used that term in a previous poem of mine titled “In Time to Come” and kept thinking it was an ideal image to use in a haiku, so I borrowed it from my other poem. π Sometimes an image just holds special, deep meaning, you know? As always, I appreciate your kindness and support. Glad you liked these. π
LikeLike
Marveling at all the striking analogies! Beautiful as always! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Aaysid. I’m always happy to know my words resonate with people. I really appreciate your support and encouragement! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is always a pleasure, Mike.π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another poignant series Mike, #187 and #189 are truly beautiful and work especially well πβ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Xenia. These seeds really didn’t want to germinate but they finally sprouted at last. I’m so glad you liked these. It was good to see them make it to the page (or screen). Your wonderful encouragement is so appreciated, as always! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
βin the end
my heaven could not redeem
your hellβ
This is so profound, Mike.
Can apply in so many situations.
Spine chilling and very emotional. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Terveen. This one is certainly brutal and it really does apply to different life situations. I had one particular experience in mind where all the love I had to offer someone wasn’t enough to help her find her way out of her own darkness. I suppose it’s one of those universal truths that sometimes we can’t help others, no matter how hard we try. We live and learn, but man, it hurts along the way… I appreciate your kind support–it means a lot to me. π
LikeLike
Nice haikus ππ»
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you kindly, Jay. I appreciate it! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
wonderful collection β£οΈ Love it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. Your kindness is deeply appreciated! π
LikeLiked by 1 person