“A Few Haiku & Senryu (56)”

On By Mike U.In Poetry

(c) 2023 by Michael L. Utley

(#331)

dusty stew pot
her memory lingers by
the cold hearth

…..

(#332)

a tiny sun
in this cold dark hell
golden suisen

…..

(#333)

strings of koto
from beyond the bamboo grove
my heart breaks again

…..

(#334)

don’t look at me, moon
I’m not who you think I am
dark night of the soul

…..

(#335)

from my window
the mountain; from the mountain
eternity

…..

(#336)

green silence
and the end of all things
sea of trees

(Note: A bit of a title change for this series. I’ve been writing senryu almost as long as haiku and I figured it was time to clarify that these little collections contain both. Haiku pertain to nature and seasons, while senryu address the human condition. The formats are virtually identical; the subject matter differs.)

61 thoughts on ““A Few Haiku & Senryu (56)””

    1. Thanks so much. #335 seems hopeful and I’m delighted that it inspires you. 🙂 I like your idea for the title, too! 😀 It’s good to see you again. I hope things are going well in your world. I always enjoy seeing you stop by. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Cassa. I remember the sounds of koto strings from back when I could hear better, and I’ve always been fascinated by this instrument. It produces such a haunting, contemplative sound. I’ve watched videos of koto players and it’s astounding to witness the talent of these people. I may not be able to hear koto music with my ears now, but I can hear it in my heart. 🙂

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    1. Yeah, my self-esteem and self-confidence issues are shining through on this one. 🙂 I love the idea of talking to the moon. It’s always there, even though it can be fickle and dismissive at times, it seems. It’s certainly an incredibly fertile ground for poetry, that’s for sure. Thanks, David. 🙂

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    1. Many thanks, my friend. This particular one was stubborn. I had the first two lines appear easily, but the last line took a few days to arrive. I have a folder with lots of haiku and senryu fragments just waiting for completion. I’m glad this one spoke to you, and I appreciate your kindness. Stay warm and safe, my friend! 🙂

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      1. Snap! In my case it is a note book filled with unfinished haiku waiting for a missing thought.This is always ready at hand (Day and night) as inspiration flashes in many unexpected places and at unexpected times. Enjoy your day My Friend. Stay Smiling.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ashley, for your constant and energizing support. I appreciate it so much. Here’s wishing you a grand upcoming week as well. Warmest wishes from cold and snowy Colorado! 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much. Every now and then a positive, uplifting verse wiggles its way out of my head and heart. While I wrote this one based on my reclusive point-of-view, it’s about perspectives and possibilities and yes, even hope. I’m so pleased to know you liked these verses. Much appreciated. 🙂

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    1. Many thanks, Lauren. I think I like these two the best as well. Both are deeply personal and express such varied emotions. I’m sincerely grateful for your kind words. Thanks so much for stopping by today. Much appreciated. 🙂

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  12. That last one, Mike, carried me away. If mankind does end all things for ourselves, the Earth will be a sea of trees, thriving with the sounds of nature, but free of our clamor. That’s somehow comforting to me. And #335 is exactly how I feel about mountains. Just beautiful. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Diana. Personally, I’d be fine with that scenario, you know? The healing earth, its deadly virus (humans) gone at last, and green for as far as the eye can see (if there were anyone left to see at that point). I actually had a different forest in mind with this poem, a forest known for its tragic circumstances: Aokigahara Forest (known as the Sea of Trees) in the foothills of Mt. Fuji in Japan. With that in mind, the poem has a much different meaning. However, I love how a bit of ambiguity allows readers to interpret poetry according to their own sensibilities. I love your interpretation, and the peaceful green silence of a sea of trees would be heavenly in that respect. 🙂

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      1. I was unfamiliar with the Aokigahara Forest, Mike, and had to look it up and read about it. That changes the tone of the poem! The history and photos of the place are haunting. What a difference a bit of context makes. ❤

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind appraisal. When I write these little collections, I generally write them all in one sitting, so there’s sometimes a hint of an overall theme throughout (sometimes intentional, sometimes not), depending on where my mind was while writing them. I like reading through them after awhile and seeing those themes appear, how the individual haiku and senryu interconnect on some level. It can be a pleasant surprise. 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much, Xenia. I had a sudden, unbidden mental image of an old cook pot, covered with dust and rust, and thought it might fit in one of these little pieces. Memories of m y late mother also played a part here. I appreciate your kindness, my friend. 🙂

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  15. I’d love to see a mountain from my window. And the moon looking back – that one really got me. There’s so much of nature intertwined with who we are as a species. Yet we are so inconsiderate in our dealings. I hope the gloom of winter passes soon. But the inspiration to write must remain in bloom. Beautiful words, Mike. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Terveen. I’m fortunate to live in an area with mountains in all for directions (and in four states, too). I have mobility issues and so I haven’t been able to head up in to the mountains in a few years. I really miss them. As for the gloom of winter, it’s weirdly inspirational, and I’m grateful for that. One day, perhaps, I shall write joyous poetry, but I’m not there yet. (Jeez, would I even know how to write joyous poetry? 😀 ) For now, I’m just happy to be able to write anything. Your support and encouragement are so important to me. Many thanks, my friend! 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Kirsten. That’s such a wonderful thing to say. I’ll admit that your writing has the same effect on me–so incredibly vivid and urgent and real. I’m so glad my words are able to take you along for the ride. I truly appreciate you, my friend! 🙂

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    1. Kindest thanks, Peggy. I’m glad you liked these, and I’m thankful for your wonderful presence here. You always leave such uplifting comments, and they mean more to me than you can ever know. So, thank you for that, my friend! 🙂

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  19. Ah I don’t know how I missed this but I absolutely LOVE this collection!!! And your footnote at the end, thanks for sharing. There is such peace in your words and you find this magical flow that is so soothing to read. Well done as always, Mike 🤍🤗🤍🤗

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Grace. I’m glad these appealed to you. I truly love haiku and senryu. They seem to fit my personality so well, and the way I think lends itself so easily to this brief, sparse form. Much appreciated, my friend! 🙂

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