“A Few Haiku (42)”

On By Mike U.In Poetry

(c) 2022 by Michael L. Utley

(#247)

barren apple trees
culled from orchards without thought
so many regrets

…..

(#248)

in the desert
all pretense is stripped away
only truth survives

…..

(#249)

wooden ladle and tin cup
and a bone-dry well
life’s futility

…..

(#250)

take the empty cup
drink my fill of nothingness
let me live in peace

…..

(#251)

dragging the river
somewhere in the murky depths
I may find myself

…..

(#252)

leave the stones unturned
let the clouds drift where they may
live in harmony

39 thoughts on ““A Few Haiku (42)””

  2. Mike, for me your haiku and your photographs somehow directly transfer a mood or emotion to the reader/viewer. It’s as though I’m there, in the middle of the haiku or image, and feeling what it’s like to be there. I am both inspired by and envious of your gift. πŸ™‚

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    1. Thank you, Joan. This truly means so much to me. Although I’m incredibly introverted, there’s always been a part of me that has yearned to connect with people and be heard. I’ve struggled all my life to accomplish this (and deafness certainly hasn’t helped), but I’ve always felt that perhaps I could be my true self in my writing and photography (and prior to my deafness, my music). There’s a sense of liberation in art, a permission to be as expressive and honest as I can possibly be. To know my words and images have connected with people like you…it’s humbling and so fulfilling. I really appreciate your kindness, Joan, and I want you to know I love your poetry, too. It resonates so vibrantly with me and I’m always excited when I see you’ve posted something new. So, many thanks to you for such a wonderful comment. I appreciate you and your support so much. πŸ™‚

      Edit: Oops, I accidentally clicked the Like button on my own comment! Oh well. πŸ˜€

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  4. ‘take the empty cup
    drink my fill of nothingness
    let me live in peace’
    Such beautiful lines with much depth and meaning. It seems like they are intended for me.
    I love how you capture so many angles of feelings and thoughts. And the reader can find themselves in any and every word of yours.
    Lovely! Lovely! Lovely!
    Great writing as always, Mike. πŸ™‚

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    1. Many thanks, Terveen. I liked the idea of filling myself with nothingness (clearing my mind) and just living peacefully without chaos and worry. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me. Much appreciated. πŸ™‚

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    1. Thanks, Jeff. #251 certainly has some dark imagery, but I found it effective to convey the the sense of despair I feel when hopelessness becomes overwhelming and it feels as though I’ve lost myself and my purpose. Always grateful for your kind support, good sir. πŸ™‚

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  8. Beautifully penned Mike. I am stepping back from blogging for a while My Friend. All posts are pre-scheduled. Taking time out for my sanity and wellbeing. I need to take some time out to rest, recuperate and rejuvenate the creative juices. Will read e-mails, posts and respond to comments when I can. Hope you understand. Stay Safe Stay Smiling My Friend.

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    1. Many thanks, Goff. I definitely understand the feeling of needing to step away to recharge and recalibrate. Get some much-needed R&R, my friend. We’ll be here for you when you return. πŸ™‚

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Kirsten. #250 is sort of special to me. I crave peace and quiet and a respite from the chaos and anxiety of life. Drinking a cup of nothingness would immediately clear my mind and set me at ease. So glad you enjoyed these. Much appreciated. πŸ™‚

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    1. Thanks, Jay. I had the images of a wooden ladle and a dented tin cup and an empty well rattling around in my head for a while, but when I’d try to put them together, I realized I needed to split it into two separate pieces. So, there’s a natural flow from one to the next, almost as if it’s one thought. Glad you enjoyed these, good sir! Much appreciated. πŸ™‚

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  15. “wooden ladle and tin cup
    and a bone-dry well
    life’s futility”

    these are all related to heat of different sources: wooden ladle is to insulate the heat when you drink hot soup; tin cup is used so you drop it quick when its content heats up; a well is bone-dry might because it is under direct sun!

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    1. Thank you kindly for your always-thoughtful appraisal. I suppose I was in sort of a “desert state-of-mind” when I wrote this collection. Heat renders all things down toe their basics, eliminating impurities, simplifying all things. And it can also be a harsh taskmaster, as in the example of the dry well and its impact on all who thirst. I had the images of the ladle and cup knocking around in my head for several days, and they finally found their way into something sort of coherent. I’m glad to know you found this one to your liking. It’s always a pleasure to read your comments. Much appreciated. πŸ™‚

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