Through the Claret AshSibilant evening breeze:
Cricket symphony.
The poet comments, "Beautiful architecture Adelaide Down Under"
East End Adelaide
Produce market red row house
Miss Gladys Sym Choon
Two blackbirds sitting
On twigs of winter music
Singing happy tunes
The poet comments, "Spring Tricycle."
Four hours of sitting.
No one to wield the Big Stick
Counting softly still.
No Roshi, no goals.
My ass is numb; i'm quitting!
Polish what mirror?
The poet comments, "Thanks for listening, Sagebrush."
Hey, that's what we're here for!
Clone moral question:
snug Ozark cabin
champagne bubbles rise
like tiny moths to light bulbs
here's to you my dear
house ablaze shrinks in
golden burst of fiery sparks
only mem'ries now
cold green flare of light
baseball arc above the sky
look! a shooting star
burst of light, of sound
of smell of taste of feeling
child screams I am born
AIDS (agri)culture -
The poet comments, "Even though we bid farewell to the snow, we now must face the music of the sirens; not those of Mythical Seas, but those which warn the trees."
Through the Claret Ash
Sibilant evening breeze:
Cricket symphony.
long green jungle lawn
shivering in the still night
suddenly............a cat!
Soft deep velvet sleep
Sprawling lazily near me:
Cat paw on my nose.
Garden visitor:
Lone bee on my balcony
Praising the flowers.
I stand here frigid,
Warden turns a cold shoulder;
Back to my ice cell.
The look in his eyesThe poet comments, "I am a free verse poet--this was new to me> New but exciting! Thank you for the opportunity! "
Welcome to our little world!
It has rained all night
Birds greet the grey dawn singing
Tangled poetry
Surprised by a row
Of tiny magic mushrooms
Walking holding hands
Plum Blossom greets day
Soft pink flowers brief sojourn
Caught on winds of time
Wandering through time
Butterflies life music notes
Riding on the wind
The poet comments, "I read this recently in a rather dubious German newspaper"
Why did I believe
you when you said "Koennen die-
se Augen luegen?"
Not only could they lie,
They did it in a very
subtle way. I love you!
The poet comments, "Koennen diese Augen luegen? Literal translation : can these eyes lie? Approximate meaning : Read my lips; no new taxes!"
Stevie Wonder on radio,
Weakness of my heart; I have no phone,
"I just called to say I love....."
"war to end all wars"
torn weary world cried amen
litany of lies
broken arrowhead
sparkling up from disturbed soil
imagination
In old Ireland,
grows a small four-leaf clover
will I get lucky?
The poet comments, "I wrote this poem for my mom in 10th grade because she came from Ireland. When Two years ago I found a four-leaf clover in Ireland and wrote this poem."
Apologies to Beau - we misattributed this haiku to someone else.
The allbackyards choir
"Yes! Yes!" they screamed,
Sweet nymph barefooted
Ambling leeward sultrily
Wakes the sleeping storm
The poet comments, "R.Barrington contributed the last line of the second Haiku"
The poet comments, "Sorry I'm not feeling the winter chill! It's summer on my side of the world."
Yes, we feel your sorrow! :)
Arrows of sunlight
Pierce through my morning slumber.
Time to join the drone.
The full moon and I
Travel together tonight:
Hide and seek through trees.
Huge raindrops falling
Right into my eyes. Sun dims:
Tears for my brother.
Joyful butterfly
Flutters free from his cocoon:
Now mine bursts open.
The poet comments, "Written during a wonderful walk following a long confinement."
The winter doldrums
Red beams permiate
new vacuoles in my mind;
Catharsis en route.
Lie low and slither
Black-white patterns all aswhirl;
Truth lies unconscious.
They stepped lightly here
beneath bent leaves weeping dew
to mark their passing.
The poet comments, "For the Challenger Space Shuttle crew."
Hail thee, downtrodden,
for thy time is soon at hand
as all paths converge
Fog covers the earth
as a warning. Heed the gods
and be diligent.
Was it fantasy,
believing in my own strength,
or merely a lie?
The poet comments, "Sometimes I really wonder."
Desperation now!
Confusion masks every path
with malevolence.
Now summer starts out
on its circular journey
around to itself.
Think thee to rest now
that the wind has filled thy night?
Nay. The wind still yearns.
The poet comments, "Ah, that old yearning thing."
Do you dare know me?
I'm the eternal stranger
That devours your dreams.
The poet comments, "Nightmares in Haiku???"
She comes from a world
of midnight eyes to haunt your
most quiet moments.
Quiet as snowfall
the silent weaver spells
spun-silver daydreams.
The poet comments, "Have you ever seen a forest after an ice storm? A wonderland to behold. "
Within me, power
willing. Touch me, I'll respond,
timeless seduction.
The poet comments, "Who, me?"
Such a great pleasure,
the smile of a happy child,
it could fill the soul.
Nothing less or more
can turn the cold wind around
like the warmth of love.
The poet comments, "'Nuff said."
Toast Point is impressed.
Gull in a seastorm:The poet comments, "Just how I feel sometimes."
Way down on the ground
The wise oak wondered
Distant horizon
Where heaven and earth unite
Color corresponds.
loves me loves me not
I love you said she
and I love you too said he
and now, there are three
Enjoy this day
To the fullest --
Evening comes soon enough.
The poet comments, "A motto, and a Haiku. Good advice for living! "
The poet comments, "Shouldn't empathize too much with bugs you're trying to sweep down the garbage disposal."
bare trees cased in ice
overhang an icy stream
snow blanket twinkles
dancing tip of light
shows our kiss in silhouette
shadow butterfly
dressed in black and gold
long legs and gossamer wings
fairy prince or wasp?
glittering tutu
dancing on the summer breeze
becomes a dandelion
oh! roses roses
garden born heavenly blooms
like scented prayers
You're welcome, Laur!
The poet comments, "I see it outside my window right now..."
All heads humbly bowed,
by the mere passing of time.
Valentine roses.
tears of sorrowjoy
old uncle died this morning;
dog scratches at fleas
dark sky foreboding
unpredictable fall storms;
poet of the day
velvet-cloaked sunrise
i'll write a poem today!
blue jays at feeder
our feast, laughter, looks
your hair shone by candle glow;
winter memories
forlorn street sleeper
have you no place else to go?
robin red breast sings!
autumn masterpiece
champagne day with sapphire sky;
another leaf falls
oh, brilliant pen
why now do you desert me?
poet waits in vain
bright summer morning
young cat soundlessly stalking
swaying blade of grass
winter's piercing winds
i shield myself from the rain;
broken umbrella
rainwater draining
and a rainbow to the east;
thank you thunderstorm!
Toast Point wonders how much coffee Mr. Perkins had to drink today...
The poet comments, "This ant invasion is the one negative situation that must be endured most years in my otherwise ideal ocean-front environment (and the ants don't even seem to pay attention to my guitar playing)."
Toast Point is envious of the poet's ocean-front environment.
posing as warm day
streamers sparklers noise
celebration of freedom
fourth of July
what a waste of minds
idle youth wand'ring` the malls
"naught to do" their cry
If they were actually using the word "naught", we'd have some hope for them...
A bridegroom was advised,
"Don't worry my son, you'll
Rise to the occasion"
The poet comments, "Time for `squeaky clean' & `naughty' haikus too ?"
Toast Point has considered it, but thinks not. Haikus are more "arty" than limericks, and an art gallery doesn't hide its nude studies in "naughty" rooms...
Darden shouted "Darn Ito,
Why does it always have to be
`Marcia Marcia Marcia'"
Reports said "Children,
In backseat cause accidents"
Someone yelled "Vice-Versa!"
The poet comments, "Not entirely original "
Like an ant with crumbs,
first warm springtime rain
Sparkling fountains spray;
Strollers' cheery "Good morning!"
Nice to be alive!
The poet comments, "Haikus are good to occupy one's mind on morning walks!"
Little Tiger Puss, The poet comments, "This haiku was inspired when I performed with my guitar for all the wild cats (Tiger Puss, Fur Pants, Simi, Cali, etc.)I feed in my backyard jungle."
1019The poet comments, "There are no words at all. Sorry. :)"
No, but it's very clever, since it forces the reader to pronounce the numbers out loud to get the feel.
on the radioThe poet comments, "I was wondering if you have thought about expanding the rules to include haiku poetry outside the restrictive 5-7-5 syllable count. I've written around 125 haiku poems in the last 7 years. Only a handful of these fit the classical 5-7-5 format and these were early pieces where I didn't know better. After reading "The Haiku Anthology" (edited by Cor Van Den Heuvel) I was introduced to different forms of Haiku: 1 liners, 2 liners, 3 liners with no syllable count, vertical 1 liners, ect. Most of the major American Haiku poets write write in this more freer western form."
The Sage responds, "The Toast Point Haiku Contest has seen a lot of discussion on this issue over the past two years. It seems to work best for the contest if we aim for, but do not insist upon, 5-7-5."
Way up in the sky
looking down on the target
droppings on the car
The sly, sleek hunter
Deep, deep down under water
He catches his prey
The old Chineese man
Karate and judo king
Is angry at me
The curious boy
Is trying to catch a crab
He hopes he'll catch it
The top gun bird jets
Are getting ready to fire
Down on the poor car
Behind the tall tree
There was a hunter who missed
Next time he'll use sights
There once was a bird
An unsuspected victim
Who just got pooped on
What time is it now?
Brutus, where art thou?
Even at your side, my lord.
Enter the fool's thought.
The poet comments, "One never knows who lurks in the shadows waiting for the misfortunate opportunity of fate!"
February, huh?
But yesterday was New Year's!
Over forty, huh?
The poet comments, "They use to say time walks until age 21, then after 30 time races, and after 40 time flies.....think I would like to walk again ;^) "
the little black cat
sits on the edge of the pond
and only looking
The poet comments, "This haiku is for school, How do you think it will do?"
Knowing teachers, they'll find something to pick at...
Red, orange, yellow, green,
blue, indigo, violet
Striking arched colors
Rain, Rain crashing down
Thunder booming through the air
Halt the nasty storm
standing in the stream
waiting for the fish to come
water dripping down
maybe they are gone
or maybe they don't like me
who can ever tell
but if they are there
swimming past me silently
good luck to them all
The poet comments, "Steelhead fishermen are so masochistic they must also be contemplative."
Brownian motion
colors blaze as schools of fish
flee their predators
rainbow trout hooked
blazing colors fade away
fishing seems so cruel
Did RC and Claudius go fishing together recently?
married, hungry heartThe poet comments, "...it should paint a picture of temptation for you..."
Cupid's arrow shot
The poet comments, "Not entirely original"
Playing chess, Baldy said,
"Can't you see I'm reflecting",
I was blinded by it.
Injured by your gaze-dart,
When I had surrendered my heart,
You cared a fly's fart.
Thanks, Kumaramurthy...
Enveloping heat
canopy of white
embraces purple mountains,
majesty in bloom
Piano notes tinkle
through the summer evening air
like in the old days.
The poet comments, "this is my first haiku! :-) "
Well, don't stop now!
The poet comments, "I'm a student in Cherry Hill West that is fasinated with haiku."
Footsteps in the snow
The animal tracks
Look small next to my footprints
But they end at trees.
Trudging through snow drifts
My feet fall but avoid the
Path already made.
Pink elephants stomp
Through my mind even though I
Have told them to stop.
A wanton prophet
Shrouded in his own forest
Fears the winter Frost
The poet comments, "Nope. But thank you for asking. I am a duck. Sauce. Ignore that. "
OK...
Fly south from winter
Destiny calls from within,
Crash in New Jersey.
Rise with Helios,
Fight the rigors of the day,
Fall dead into night.
warm winds melting snow
The poet comments, "The image came to me when I was helping a classroom full of kids make paper valentine hearts this week."
Three-year-old's first snow
The poet comments, "Not bad, I guess!"
Toast Point responds, "I am NOT going to start a Brady Bunch subcontest like I did for the limericks. Not unless pressed, or I have enough material, anyway."
The poet comments, "For Mark Baum (1903-1997)"
Parents, hear my words
childrens' souls are theirs alone
they dwell beyond today
Cries of `This land is mine,
Battlefield for hearts
Spin a web of love
shade of night rolls down
startled deer stop at field's edge
clouds of my breath rise
brushfire burning hot
flames warm my frozen backside
winter woodcutting
distant owl salutes dark
birds chat in thorny hedgerow
I walk the dim trail
The poet comments, "Sage: your site has me thinking in haikus. Is that a blessing or a curse?"
My dear poetess
How could it possibly be
Aught but a blessing?
The poet comments, "JAMBO means Hallo in Swahili"
Umbellifer acacia's
even their sharp prickles are
food for giraffes.
At the garbage place
a solemnly Marabou
dreaming about fish.
A vivid bar-code
on African's savannah
The Zebra-flock.
A lioness - lazy
under the Boabab tree
her cubs romping
icicles spilling
teardrops as they fade on a
sunny afternoon
The poet comments, "When the sea lions provide their alarm-clock function at 5:30 a.m. I feed all the wild cats in my back yard jungle and head off to the big city."
Love's a sweet red rose...
The poet comments, "Sage, is it true that writing haiku can reverse the aging process and restore damaged brain cells?"
Um, let's just say...Yes!
Sing, duende spirit
for the many dead gypsies
my guitar will play
The poet comments, "February's cold creates contemplation (and alliteration, too). I wrote these after rereading Kahlil Gibran."
There is a wonderful song, probably using those texts, called "On Children".
Mother, may you bend
in the hand of the archer
let your children fly
the seed or the soul
outside forces may assail
change comes inside out
The poet comments, "Sage, I thought of using the pun "timbres" in the first line but decided it would be too smartypants. Saved you a stroke of the editing pen."
The Sage probably would have left it in!
The poet comments, "I was feeling sorry for my Japanese import."
I stand on the shore
Gazing at the moon -
Do the fish see it, too?
Sun sets behinds hills
Palm tree in the wind
Trunk bowing low to the ground -
Two young owls peek through
Dawn's mist revealing.
the long night's icy plunder
one small bird's small death.
The poet comments, "it ain't roses all the time."
one hibiscus bloom
nipple erection
Branches reaching down
Silently cry the glass tears
Of the rain falling
Weary of the change
Fall into winter again
I want summer back
In the wind
a single hair
defies my stream
First sign of frost
Andrea is out
salt on the path
Snow in the swales
the shepherd shouts
make mine a Guinness
The poet comments, "I was for months very sick (ulcer and such other things)"
Toast Point and the Sage welcome Kivas back and hope he's feeling better.
Three degrees and rain,
Scotty, beam me down NOW to the
Bahamas. Energize!
I know, I won't find
her at the bottom of this
glass. Maybe the next.
The poet comments, "I found a similar one in the Shiki newsgroup one day."
Shiki?
Sitting on the curb
the boy practices whistling --
birds giving lessons
Snow melts on white stones
The poet comments, "Does anyone really love their job and look forward to go to work every day?!"
Toast Point actually likes his job a lot, but "love" is a little strong.
Ice coated windows
can't block the sun's warm promise
purple crocus blooms
pure white crocus bloom
yearns toward swiftly-coming spring -
you grace my window
uninvited guest!The poet comments, "For all those snapper, haddock, cod, and salmon lovers out there."
Standing tall and free
above the morning groundfog
the tree greets the sun
Silver surf thunders
below my bedroon window
nocturne for slumber
Golden melodies
mate with silver guitar strings
enchanting black night
Ruby fire dancer
undulates in cantina
emerald voice sings
Castle turrets tall
reaching into thunder skies
haven for the knight
Old poet standing
alone in the bright moonlight
writing his verses
Winter snow falling
fluffy snowflakes flutter down
children make snowmen
Old man sits in park
remembering younger days
wrinkled eyes smiling
Feel the earth, my son
plant all the seeds carefully
grow with your garden
Augustin's gone on another binge, we see.
Haikus are stupid.Ah, but the ease of writing is part of the joy!
Calendar page turns
proficiency tests
pencils scratching, fingers cramping
knowledge captured here
The poet comments, "This haiku sprang to mind as I monitored one segment of the High Stakes Proficiency test today."
Scrabble tiles in rack
yellow squares hold many terms
word masters online
alto, soprano
voices merging as they rise
choir rehearsal praise
tasting grey twilight
chill dampness lining my shoes
my eyes search the marsh
The poet comments, "This was written in a deer blind..."
our words are hollow
my eyes speak, transmitting love
come home, my daughter
The poet comments, "A comment on Life. Tempus Fugit! "
The flagpole bolt
Beating Time
To the wind.
The poet comments, "What a mournful sound in Winter! "
The poet comments, "As always, I welcome feedback and comments. And also as always, thanks for the forum!"
The poet comments, "Oh, the loathing of senseless murder!"
The poet comments, "Happy Anniversary"
Magnified pond scumThe poet comments, "Looking forward to microcinematography. Toast Point Genie, you're welcome to edit my contributions any time. Comments and improvements are gratefully accepted and earnestly solicited."
The Sage and Toast Point nod, but think this one's just fine as is.
Extragalactic
Swirls of light and color
Awesome to behold!
The poet comments, "Reminiscing about a long-ago trip to Harvard Observatory."
bolder souls than IThe poet comments, "I think I submitted this before, but I didn't see it. Forgive me if it's a repeat. "
The poet comments, "there should be no capitals in haiku "
