(c) 2022 by Michael L. Utley
(#313)
my world begins and ends
at my window
lonely winter moon
…..
(#314)
blood and feathers
the sky falls into my palm
a young boy’s shame
…..
(#315)
calligraphy of sorrow
etched on her wrists
autumn’s demise
…..
(#316)
fast asleep
in the heron’s belly
the stilt hut
…..
(#317)
one cup one bowl one spoon
and a thousand silences
winter’s bitter feast
…..
(#318)
when it’s time to laugh
I will laugh; until then
let me cry
❤️❤️❤️
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Thanks, Filipa. Always happy to have you stop by. 🙂
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It’s a pleasure Mike! I love your work!
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What a amazing words use in haiku.
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Thank you so much! You’re very kind and I appreciate your support and encouragement. I hope your day is going well, my friend! 🙂
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Most welcome, Friend 🤠
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These are amazing, Mike. As a total collection, I think this is my favourite so far. They each made me stop and savour the words and feel the emotion they evoked. The first two and the last two all spoke to me so vividly and emotively. Really, truly beautiful.
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This is such a nice thing to say! I was sort of ambivalent about this bunch–they seemed to be all over the place, something that happens when I’m not able to write all six in one sitting–so to know these spoke to you is really gratifying. I truly value your reviews and I’m glad for y our presence here. A sincere thanks. 🙂
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#318 hits hard. Whew! These are great, Mike!
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Thanks a bunch, trE. I’m pleased and humbled to know these spoke to you, especially #318. It sort of came out all in one breath, all at once. I truly appreciate your kindness, my friend, and I’m always delighted to see you stop by. Have a good weekend! 🙂
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You’re most welcome, and it’s my pleasure!
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Another beautifully penned collection My Friend. happy Friday Mike.
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Thank you kindly, Goff. It’s a pleasure to know these held meaning for you, and I appreciate your constant support, my friend! Happy weekend to you! 🙂
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These are wonderful , Mike. Love them all #317 really stood out for me. Fabulous 💕
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Thanks so much, Grace. Your kindness is so welcomed. I had a strong mental image for #317 but it took awhile to nail the final line. It’s an intensely quiet, lonely, cold image, but it really speaks to me. I’m grateful as always for your support, my friend. I hope you’ll have a good weekend! 🙂
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My pleasure. I had an image of #317 as well, it was pretty cold but hopeful as well. I think that’s what drew me in. Have a great weekend too, my friend.💕
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Omg Mike, you have such a gift with words. Such a treat reading these beautiful pieces this morning. I love how each one stands out on their own and creates a beautiful collection all together. Fantastically done 🤍🤍
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Many thanks, Grace. I’m so glad these appealed to you. Usually I write these little collections in one sitting, but this batch took a few days to germinate. In such an instance, they tend to be more disparate, but there’s still a bit of a theme running through these. I’m happy to know you found these to your liking. Much appreciated! 🙂
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Aww thank you for sharing the backstory of your writing prowess, my friend! I absolutely loved them, deeply! And you’re always welcome, keep on shining 🤗🤍
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Wow! This haiku collection wonderfully calls attention to the melancholic beauty of solitude! That’s an amazing feat, Mike! I can relate to #313 the most, since I do not like going out much, but I do not mind looking out of my window.😬
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Thanks, Aaysid. Oh boy, I understand your sentiments regarding #313! 😀 I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve spent staring out the window at the moon, trying to figure out my life. It’s like another world–so quiet and strange and welcoming in an odd way. A theme of solitude does run in this batch, although since these were spread out over the course of a few days, I wasn’t really consciously aware of it. Write what you know, right? I always appreciate your kind comments and I’m happy to see you stop by. 🙂
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Oh, wonderfully said, Mike! It is always a pleasure.😊
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Each one as good as the last Mike so I can’t pick just one! I love them all! Poignant verses always ❣️
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Thanks a bunch, Cindy. I’m always thankful for your kind words. 🙂
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Indeed, a gift of words, which you then gift us!
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You’re always so kind. 🙂 Thanks for being so supportive. I’m really glad you enjoy my writing. It means a lot to me. 🙂
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😊 TY and YW. I believe your poetry should be published (as should your photography) and be available on shelves, but for now, it is here — and we all truly appreciate it, Mike.
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Beautiful haiku, Mike, as always. Lots of poignancy in here, loneliness, and sorrow. Wishing you a moon in this coming year that brings a smile and frees your laugh. Hugs, my friend.
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Thanks, Diana. Yep, winter brings out the sadness, but man, it’s so inspiring. I find so many good mental images this time of year. I’m sure there will be plenty more poignant pieces to come. Oh well, at least I’m writing, eh? 😀 Hugs right back to you, my friend. 🙂
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Yes, writing is good, and in your case… excellent. Hehe.
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Such sadness and beauty. For me both go hand-in-hand. The cold does offer much inspiration. And the darkness within is forever waiting to expand. Looking out the window can be safe and adventurous. Quite a collection of emotion, Mike. 🙂
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Many thanks, Terveen. You know me very well by now, I see. 🙂 The exquisite beauty of sorrow…so delicate and fleeting. Winter spurs something deep inside of me. I find it brimming with some amazing imagery. Even though my stuff is melancholy, I have a lot of fun writing it. It helps clear my mind and heart and soul, and feeling the words flow is such an elixir. I appreciate your kind words so much. 🙂
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Heart wrenching and so beautiful too. Lovely poetry, Mike. Happy weekend! 😁
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Thanks a bunch, Jeff. I’m blessed to have you drop by and leave such wonderful and thoughtful comments. Truly appreciate it, my friend. Happy Sunday to you, good sir! 🙂
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💕🙂 Beautiful, something said by a pure heart and beautiful soul.
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Thanks a bunch, Saima. Your kindness is most welcome! 🙂
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💕🙂
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Amazing Mike👌🏻
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Many thanks, Athira. I truly appreciate your kind comment. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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Always my pleasure Mike..🙂
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Admirable poésie
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Many thanks. I appreciate your kindness so much. 🙂
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