Spring Haiku

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first warm day
the twitching of the cat’s nose
at the screen door

 

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gray morning
even the daffodils
drop their heads

 

I’ve been working on two great poetry projects. Oddly both of them are taking me away from the natural world around me. As spring awakens I’m feeling a growing need to reconnect with everything outdoors. Nothing draws me closer to the world than haiku, so I’ve been spending more time reading and writing them. I have a few wonderful anthologies, but lately I’ve been re-reading Haiku in English: The First Hundred Years, edited by Jim Kacian, Philip Rowland, and Allan Burns. I’ve been going through and tagging my favorites and then copying them out in my notebook. Copying helps me pay close attention and internalize them. When I want to write, I go for a walk. I walk slowly and look carefully. I bring a notebook and scribble words and phrases. At home I transfer them to my computer and develop them into complete haiku. My goal is to give my readers the same experience of noticing that I’ve had, without getting in the way and interpreting it for them. I wrote these haiku this week as spring finally settled in. I hope you enjoy them.

For more Poetry Friday visit Robyn at Life on the Deckle Edge.

Liz

14 replies
  1. Tabatha
    Tabatha says:

    That first haiku really gets me. I love how the “twitch” conveys all the smells and excitement of spring. We lost our cat last month and I miss having a kitty around the house!

    Reply
  2. Linda Baie
    Linda Baie says:

    I know you saw my little daffodil, afraid it’s more than hung its head today with the snow hovering at six plus inches. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on haiku, and how you approach them, Liz. I really loved your April goals when you wrote about your backyard. You brought us to visit very well in those poems. Best wishes in your new projects.

    Reply
  3. Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
    Michelle Heidenrich Barnes says:

    These are both wonderful, Liz! They both feel very “alive” to me– the moment breathes, if you know what I mean. Thank you also for sharing your process– what you take from your walk and how you put it together afterwards. That’s what I do for other poetry, but I’ve always had higher expectations with haiku. I was demanding it to be out there for the taking in its complete form. I know now that was unrealistic. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. barbara suter
    barbara suter says:

    You’ve given me some ideas. I never thought about taking notes…just thought I’d be suddenly inspired, like a lightning strike. And, believe it or not, it does happen. But note-taking could be helpful. I enjoyed both haiku; I am an avid haiku fan.

    Reply
  5. Bridget Magee
    Bridget Magee says:

    These two haiku are a great way to celebrate spring, Liz! Your kitty looks ready to frolic in all the scents of spring. I also love hearing your process. Happy Spring Equinox! =)

    Reply

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