“A Few Haiku (47)”

On By Mike U.In Poetry

(c) 2022 by Michael L. Utley

(#277)

my soul’s tourniquet
staunches words but not the pain
I weep in silence

…..

(#278)

strip me of my layers
to my core of nothingness
then you’ll understand

…..

(#279)

an errant snowflake
drifts through my paneless window
and freezes my heart

…..

(#280)

yuki no hana
coldness blossoms in my heart
my endless winter

…..

(#281)

I am not afraid
to say I am terrified
of what lies ahead

…..

(#282)

I am shamed by fear
my coward’s heart quails in the
shadows of my soul

40 thoughts on ““A Few Haiku (47)””

    1. Thanks so much. I used to play around with haiku years ago–just silly stuff to make my niece and nephew giggle–but didn’t begin writing haiku/senryu in earnest until last year. My love for Asian art and culture fostered a deep respect and admiration for Japanese short-form poetry, and I found it so appealing and challenging to distill emotions and imagery down to their most basic forms. I think being so introverted helps a lot, too. Also, when dealing with this crippling writer’s block, sometimes it’s all I can do to come up with three lines, so it allows me to get something written in little spurts. Anyway, thank you for the kind words. 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Xenia. I was glad to get something written after such a stressful period filled with so much uncertainty. These haiku aren’t cheerful, but they’re honest, and that’s all that matters to me. Thanks for your kindness. Truly appreciated. 🙂

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    1. Thank you kindly, my friend. Your support is so uplifting and appreciated. 🙂 I have some catching up to do on your blog and I’m looking forward to it! Thank you, Friedrich, as always. 🙂

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    1. Many thanks, Ashley. Melancholy is my middle name, apparently! 😀 Oh well. I write what’s inside and hope it resonates with folks. It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), so it was a relief to be able to write these haiku tonight. One day at a time, eh? 🙂

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    2. When I’m able to write, it usually takes an hour or two to come up with a series of six haiku (an arbitrary number, by the way–I began my blog last year with six haiku I’d written earlier and thought I’d post all at once rather than just one at a time, hence the mini-collections). Tonight, these six came in about two hours. Relief ensued. 😀 I appreciate your kindness so much, Ashley, Thank you. 🙂

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  6. 279 and 280 really resonated with me. I was talking to some people about poetry today. It’s amazing how words can conjure so much. But it’s not just the words, it’s the rhythm they form in your mind. Like the strings of a harp shivering. Sometimes, you love a poem but you can’t even express its meaning in another way. It just sings like the harp. Beautifully done!

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    1. I know what you mean. Your poetry does this to me. It’s not just the words and images, it’s a lot of intangible things that are really difficult to pin down. The sound of the words when read aloud, the look of the words (and word-shapes) on the page, the memories we each associate with specific words and word-sounds, the rhythms and syncopations, the spaces in between… Honestly, I’ve read poetry I couldn’t really understand but which left an indelible mark on my soul anyway. Words are magical (as is your poetry–I’m a big fan!). For me, #279 is a little different than the others in this collection as it reads/flows like a one-sentence story without the traditional pauses inherent in standard haiku/senryu. #280 is related in a way–“yuki no hana” is Japanese for “snow flower.” and to me, a snowflake is a tiny snow flower that can freeze your heart or warm it, depending on the situation.

      I was so glad to get something written tonight. It’s been tough lately. Too much stress, a lot of uncertainty, existential dread. I’m so glad some of these resonated with you. I value your input and truly appreciate your kindness and support. 🙂

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    1. Hey, Mark! So good to see you here! Hope you’ve been doing well and keeping dug out of the snow. Thanks for the kind words regarding the published pieces. It’s so exciting to me, after all those long years of dreaming about being published. Terveen Gill at MasticadoresIndia is such a wonderful person and editor, and I wouldn’t be published if not for her. I’ve got some catching up to do and I’m going to pop over to your blog to see if I’ve missed anything lately. Thanks as always for your support, Mark. It really means a lot to me. 🙂

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  9. Wintery ones that numb the heart. I always associate the cold with sadness. And winter is something I just want to get through.
    “strip me of my layers
    to my core of nothingness
    then you’ll understand”
    Can deeply feel and appreciate these lines. But still, no one will understand…so be it. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Terveen. I’m with you regarding winter. Just let it be over (and it has yet to even begin…ugh). Honestly, I don’t think anyone will ever understand me, either. It’s always been difficult if not impossible to even find anyone willing to try. So, your sentiment of “So be it” resonates with me, too. It’s kind of cool being an enigma anyway. 🙂 Seriously, thanks for your kindness, Terveen. I truly appreciate everything you do. 🙂

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Cindy. Your encouraging support is such a delight to receive. It always lifts me up. Thank you for that. 🙂 And yes, it was so nice of Goff to reblog this post. It’s humbling to know others want to share what I’ve written. I appreciate you and all you do. Thanks for being here, my friend! 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Aaysid. I was struck by the mental image of sitting alone in the candle light of a dark winter’s evening at a small wooden table near an open window, lost in thought, as a single snowflake found its way into my own personal universe and left an indelible mark on my heart. I’m glad to know you found this one appealing. It’s like a one-sentence story, almost. I always appreciate your thoughtful comments and your kind support. 🙂

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    1. Hey, Jeff! Thanks as always for your kind words. Ahh, the lancing of wounds via poetry is cathartic. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to get my thoughts written down so I was rather excited when these little guys manifested themselves, even though they’re incredibly melancholy. I hope you’re doing well, my friend. 🙂

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