Pictures & Words: Haiku

by Catherine White

Haiku is “a Japanese poem of seventeen syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five, traditionally evoking images of the natural world”. It's one of my favorite types of poetry to write.

I learned about haiku early on, like, in elementary school, and I think I enjoyed that poetry form so much because it's short, which meant I had to choose my words carefully. I also liked writing about nature, which I was taught at a young age to appreciate. Just take a gander at my camera phone and most of the pictures are of my pets and nature.

To kick-off my attempts at poetry-writing, I thought I’d start with this form and share some pictures and a short video I've taken that inspired my haikus.

I hope you enjoy and, please feel free to join me and share your own attempts at poetry-writing!

Thirsty Blooms

Flowers in the dirt Determined to survive thirst Purple blooms of hope

Bountiful Bouquets

Bountiful bouquets Brighten and lighten your day Nature’s ecstasy.

Wisdom & Peace

Leaves gently protect Fevered thoughts from taking hold. Shade cools summer’s flush.

Trees i.

Branches stretch upward Welcoming all they receive: Seasons, wildlife, time

Ancient Wisdom of Life

The past sleeps within Ancient, resilient, wise, strong Breathe in love, for Life.

Henry

This dog is a punk! Dirty, stubborn beastie boy. Good thing he’s so cute!

Shimmy Shimmy Shake

Bully Butt Wiggles. Impossible to resist. Shimmy shimmy shake.

Cloud Conscious

Clouds float serenely or glower, menacingly, Daydreams or nightmares.

The Mist

Birds perched in the mist.

Lurking in the parking lot. Waiting and watching.