I have rediscovered Haiku poetry, a Japanese form of short poetry. In the English language, Haiku is written according to the number of syllables: Three lines with 17 syllables. 5-7-5. Japanese does not have syllables. So, Haiku is written in what are durational sound units, sounds of equal duration. In English, syllables can be of differing duration.
I think I love Haiku so much for a couple of reasons. First, because of my analytical side. The counting of syllables and the effort it takes to fit a moment of life into 17 syllables is very satisfying to this woman whose favorite class in school (way back when) was math. Many poets of Haiku in English think of this 17-syllable rule as a suggestion, and my older self is just fine with coloring outside the lines.
Second, Haiku helps me to reel in my errant thoughts and focus them like a light beam onto one moment, one object, a simple thing. This is a type of meditation for me. It has helped me, especially during these uncertain times.
Noticing the smallest of things and being grateful for them, however fleeting, is what I attempt to hold in my hands as I walk through life now.
Here are a few Haiku poems focusing on grief and gratitude. I hope you find comfort in them.
Grief
A Japanese Poem Translated by Takashi Kodaira and Alfred H. Marks
At the deepest point
of grief, somebody nearby
breaks a withered branch
by Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828)
In a world
Of grief and pain,
Flowers bloom –
Even then.
By Rev. Deb Vaughn
Just a single leaf…
One of many in autumn
A tree remembers
By Emily Thiroux Threatt
Remembering joy
Gazing into his brown eyes
We laughed together
by Hannah Spencer
“Not Fair”
How cruel my heart
is!… To persist in beating
although you’re gone…
by Dina Televitskaya
“Smile”
It has flown to me.
And it has given me grief.
It was your sad smile.
by P.S. AWTRY
“Not As Strong As She Seems”
formidable dam
a breach in the night
dread torrent of tears
by Paula Goldsmith
“Squirrel Time”
My cute furry friend
Eating nuts until the end
Chasing all your friends
Unknown
Morning fog rolls in
Not as dark as yesterday
Or the day before
Gratitude
By Diane Yoza
My white coffee cup
So full of aroma
Sips to warm my heart
by David Byrne
“Beauty”
Ah, beauty must die
Impermanent flower
Showing gratitude
by Romeo Naces
“Grateful Sigh”
…soil, sky and sea sigh
gratitude from low and high
we, us, you and I…
by Line Gauthier
“Summer Whispers”
summer whispers
in the garden of my life
~ chants of gratitude
by Dietra Reid
“Appreciation of Colors”
shades enlightened light
gratitude to primary
secondary thanks
by Suzy @ suzysomedaysomewhere.blogspot.com
Changing seasons drift
A twisting kaleidoscope;
Life, a Thankful gift
The Grace Tree 