Winter Puppy Haiku
Ray Heus
puppy walk
stopping to sniff
the falling snow
I love reading Jama Rattigan’s gorgeous blog Alphabet Soup. She recommends wonderful books, cooks delicious (looking) foods, and takes beautiful pictures that generally include some very cute bears. I also love following Jama on Facebook because she posts lovely pictures that brighten my day. Often they are from children’s books, but not always. In December Jama posted this painting by Ray Heus. I loved it at first sight. I took a screen shot and saved it to my computer desktop so I could look at it from time to time. Last week I wrote this haiku inspired by it.
Happy Poetry Friday! Kay McGriff has the roundup today.
Correction: When I originally posted, I misattributed the work of art. I now understand the print was made by Ray Heus, who was influenced by Kawase Hasui. I apologize for the error.
Your haiku is exactly how my Smidgey behaves in the snow, Liz! Perfectly captured in just a few words. I love Kawase’s picture as well. Jama is a gem!
I am so glad that Smidgey got to go to Switzerland and walk in the snow too.
Hi, Liz! I also had SUCH a strong reaction to this image Jama shared – thank you for sharing again! And this pup does share a family resemblance to yours, right? Thanks for the cheerful haiku; the feeling the image evoked in me was heavier or lonelier, somehow – I love how art speaks in so many different ways to readers/viewers! (And, in different ways to the SAME viewer/reader depending on the day….)
I love that too!
Jama is a treasure, and I feel just as you do about her. I feel that way about you, too.
Awww. Thanks!
Isn’t it wonderful how artwork can stay with us, offering something that we might not even be able to put our finger on? (Like poetry does!) Love that you used Jama’s post as a springboard for your breath-of-fresh-snowy-air haiku. The pup looks like mine, except that she would not be calming walking beside me. She would have her entire face in the snow!
Sounds like she will need her own haiku.
Lovely haiku, Liz. I love picturing that puppy’s nose sniffing away. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words. The FB posts have enabled me to learn about so many new artists.
It’s enabled many of us to learn about new artists! : )
The picture and poem work together beautifully! Thanks for sharing both.
Thank you!
Lovely! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing, Liz. This is exactly how our pup used to act in the snow. I’ve got to admit–those late night romps in the snow when he was still potty training weren’t my favorite. But he sure seemed to enjoy himself.
I have to admit that is one reason I’m more of a cat person. : )
I love the painting and I love the poem. Thanks for this one, Liz.
Thanks, Rosi!
I love that you wrote to this photo/art from Jama. Considering the comments, it would be interesting to see what others would write to the same scene? I love that you made this a “puppy” show, and if so, a well-behaved one, too. I have downloaded, sometimes printed so many of Jama’s pictures. She has added many smiles to FB!
Linda, I love that idea. Anyone want to write a poem based on the image above?
Pausing (or ‘pawsing’) to sniff. Of course! 🙂
My fingers were already twitching to respond… and then I scrolled through the comments… to this! Not really a poem. Definitely not a haiku. More a thought;
the burden,
when shared, seems
lighter than snow
That’s lovely. I’m so glad you shared it with us.
Gorgeous image and lovely haiku, they fit naturally together Liz! Isn’t that little bit of yellow ocher in the water, and orange in the window perfect. I love seeing Jama’s images on FB too, especially the ones I’m familiar with and haven’t seen for a while. Thanks!
Yes, I agree, the ochre is perfect.
I can see why you saved this print–it’s gorgeous! I love the reflected light on the water, the peaceful snowfall and the companionship of dog and walker. Your haiku’s a perfect fit.
Thank you!
Your haiku so describes taking my dog on a walk. I wonder what it would be like to experience all the smells dogs do. It might be overwhelming!
I learn so much from you, Liz, and especially about the art of writing haiku. This is a perfect example of capturing a moment—it’s magical.