While I was watching the events of August 29 unravel, an image appeared on my TV that struck me with great impact. It was nothing more than a street sign in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Not much in it self but given the street name and the fact it was under seven feet of water, my mind went into high gear. Haiku are about nature and if nothing else a hurricane IS nature. There are Haiku moments on television everyday now but as far as I am concerned none more powerful than that single image on the morning of August 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
forces of nature...
Humanity
underwater
the whole bed
yet she lays her head
on my chest
september dawn...
silver wings
take flight
autumn morn...
the field plowed
with blood and tears
Haibun
In the coolness of an autumn night I saw what Basho and Buson knew. The wonders and the joys of nature. As I listened to the sounds surrounding me I thought this is a haiku moment.
Readers may wish to visit Don Haney’s haiku site here:
Don's splendid Haiku site contains copious information on several famous Japanese classical master haijin, including Basho, Buson, Chiyo-ni, Issa and Shiki. along with examples of their haiku translated into English. Check it out.
Warm blankets of gold caress the earth. Soft darkness spreads, rich as chocolate; my senses are lulled by the season. Twilight unfolds and kisses the night
