Modern Haiku with Mo Daley
Welcome to Day 4 of the July Open Write.
Mo Daley lives and teaches in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She is a middle school reading specialist determined to guide kids into falling in love with reading and writing. Mo loves to travel and hang out with her family, including her two sweet, funny, and adorable grandsons. She is serving a second term as an evaluator on the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award Committee. Follow her on Twitter @ofdaleys.
Inspiration
I accidentally stumbled upon a group of Modern Haiku writers. Not knowing anything about the form, I submitted a traditional haiku for review, which they promptly tore apart, word by word. Their scrutiny was intense, but it motivated me to learn more about the form. I found the freedom a little unnerving at first, but gave it another shot. I used the news as inspiration, but you can use whatever is on your mind today. Keep it short and simple.
Process
Forget counting syllables for this writing exercise! The modern haiku does not trouble itself with syllable and line counts. Rather, write a short (usually 1-4 lines), unrhymed poem that juxtaposes two images to capture an insight about the world or oneself. You can find examples of traditional and modern haikus at this site: Examples of Haiku Poems: Traditional and Modern (yourdictionary.com).
Mo’s Poem
the shelves of the fluorescent
twenty-four hour convenience store
are inconveniently
out of baby formula
Your Turn
Now, scroll to the comment section below to write your own poem. (This is a public space, so you may choose to use only your first name or initials depending on your privacy preferences.) Not ready? That’s okay. Read the poems already posted for more inspiration. Ponder your own throughout the day. Return later. And, if the prompt does not work for you, that is fine. All writing is welcome. Just write something. Also, please be sure to respond to at least three writers. Oh, and a note about drafting: Since we are writing in short bursts, we all understand (and even welcome) the typos and partial poems that remind us we are human and that writing is always becoming. If you’d like to invite other teachers to write with us, tell them to subscribe.
Ok, Mo. I gave it a go. Thanks for the encouragement, always 🙂
MS took my stability and sharp mind.
With infusions and determination,
I forgave this body of mine.
Healthiest I’ve ever been.
OMG, Ellen. This is wonderful. I was almost in tears at your first two lines, but those last two are so powerful and truthful! I’m so glad you wrote with us today! Hugs.
Thank you ❤️
Oh, Ellen, thank you for giving it a go. This is so beautiful. “I forgave this body of mine” is perfect. I first read “infusions of determination”, which may be true along with the infusions from the doctor. I’m so glad you forgave and seeing results.
ooh, I like infusions of determination, too! Thank you ❤️
Thank you, Mo. I’m glad I came today, even though it’s late again. Thank you for your modern haiku–it is an inconvenience and more for so many people, which I hope goes away soon. Thank you for the prompt.
my daughter said he smiled today
my favorite thing in the whole world–
those very first smiles
now I’m left crying so far away
Bittersweet, Denise. I was already taking in a breath to steel myself at “said he smiled” – knowing that this is information coming second hand and not from the first person observation. But – it IS beautiful, and so though even though I felt a sense of relief this is about new life, that ending – the separation – even short distances – can be tough. You captured it here.
Denise, oh, I feel for you. This moment is crystal clear. The distance is palpable. Hugs!
Your poem is so tender and so loving. It’s so hard to be away from those we love for those special moments. Just wait, though. There will be so many more!
Denise, what a lovely little heartbreaker. I hope you get to visit soon!
eyes closed, exhale slowly,
let the breeze carry the seed
breathe in, eyes open,
naked dandelion, stationary feet
Kim, I feel like this could have been yesterday’s prompt about summer. Such vivid imagery!
Kim, what a peaceful moment with you and the dandelion seeds blowing in the breeze. You described it perfectly!
It’s funny to have a poem with directions that I find myself immediately following – ! This is a great poem to read and consider the various metaphor possibilities. What is the “seed”? Is the dandelion the speaker? Are the stationary feet a good thing? A bad thing? I love the concreteness and yet the openness of this. And yes – ! – summer!
Denise, I was quickly attempting to illustrate my wishes ( the seeds) for faraway places being carried to faraway places while myself, the person wishing, remains still against her will;)
I can’t find the space for reflection.
The present clings tugs snags
from my elbow corners to my sacrum
tracing the lines of the wings I lack.
Laura, you express beautifully what it feels like to be a modern-day woman. Take a breath and know that we are glad you wrote with us today.
Wow, Laura. Powerful. “The present clings tugs snags” says so very much. I love that you didn’t use commas, and that line is perfection for what your busy life must be like. “tracing the lines of the wings I lack” is another powerful image. You have woven them together with gusto. Glad you took time to be here. Peace.
UGH! This absolutely captures that feeling that comes at such times of desperation – just let me fly away, but, alas, no wings! Love the alliteration “clings tugs snags”. What weighty words with such grip and hang. And the word “sacrum.” That is a word you can’t say without feeling it deep down inside. All of this so “heavy” to read, adding to the inability to fly or to the feeling of wanting to escape it. Nicely captured here, Laura.
Laura, this was gorgeous!
Mo, Thank you for introducing another haiku form to me. My sons are away from me right now and the house is very quiet–thus, this poem.
sometimes the silence
is all the noise
that is needed
to hear the truth
Cara,
Wow! Just wow! This statement could apply in so many situations. I have two boys of my own and am often amiss at what to do with myself without the presence of their chaos.
Cara, this is so sweet! I sure know what it’s like to miss my boys. It’s an eerie stillness when they aren’t around.
What a great truth, Cara. You have the sweet memories for this time.
Cara, such a powerful juxtaposition of silence and noise. I think of the emptiness in my classroom after the bell rings at the end of the day.
Mo, thank you for the invitation for a quick write tonight. I am boiling pasta quick for supper, and had just enough time to crank this out. I like how yours addresses a real issue in a pointed way.
al dente
like stiff spaghetti noodles
acquiesce to boiling water
so too does rigidity
melt in the summertime
How lovely! YES! I love how you took your moment (pasta), focused in, and reminded us of the contrast: rigidity, noodles. <3
A simile between spaghetti noodles and us at the start of the summer!
But it works. WOW! I like the work “acquiesce”. We’re ready!
Rachelle,
I love it! My noodles aren’t quite acquiescing as yet, but I’m getting there. Thank you for a fun poem!
Rachelle, I sure didn’t see that one coming! Really well done.
Mo, thank you for this excellent prompt. I loved your openness and vulnerability in sharing how you learned about this form. Your directive to find juxtaposed images invited a quick dive in! I look forward to exploring this form with students.
Mo, thanks for the fun prompt — and for your funny haiku! XD. Made me grin today.
I’m currently on a field trip: I joined an NEH Institute to study abolition and the Underground Railroad for three weeks, and I’m in a hotel room in Massachusetts after a full day of programming, so I’m contributing late. My poem was inspired by our morning ferry ride from Lake Placid (where we visited John Brown’s farm) to a UGRR stop in Vermont:
“Patience”
Still, green
Mountains of Vermont
patiently await us.
Still –
eager minds
anticipate edification.
Still as statues,
we watch
silent mountains greet us —
Monuments to optimism, both.
Around us
Waters of
Lake Champlain
rush,
churn,
propel us toward
futures
rich with wisdom.
Wendy — I like the juxtaposition of images: minds, statues, mountains, monuments, and water. Thank you!
Hi Wendy. I really like your use of the word still. Terrific wordplay. Have a great trip.
Wow. I just finished reading Laura’s poem, and so this one with its “still” repetition also feels like a heavily weighted poem. That stillness has so many possibilities – fear, reverence, caution, strategy, awe – I would love to know how other readers interpret it.It’s so cool that you are capturing your experience in some of these poems. What a great way to record some of these events for yourself and to share with others.
This body has no
ovaries, no uterus, only one breast–
Still, the SCOTUS blade cuts deep.
Wow. Put it on a poster! Allison, so much power in so few words.
I agree with Susan!
The warriors of the world are still vulnerable. Powerful.
You are a true warrior, Allison. Your words cut as deeply as that blade.
Ah, yes! Thank you, Allison, for this gift tonight. Your energy and passion keep me going!
Allison,
Yes. Just yes. No matter the stage of life, it is an affront to women of all ages. Thank you.
Allison, wow, in so few words you capture the feelings of loss and anger with the overturning Roe v. Wade. Powerful poem! You knocked it out of the ball park!
Allison, your poem is sharp. I can’t stop reading through the lines. The contrast between the softness of a body, the softness of our humanity and the inhumane who govern our bodies and our humanity is right here.
Thanks for great prompt, Mo!
Summer School Woes
Docile students
hunch over chromebooks
pretending to work but mostly sleeping
just like they did during the school year
Tammi,
Always the predicament with students being docile, but not learning. Could be the consistency those particular kids bring as strategies go.
Tammi — I can picture it clearly and feel the frustration. Hang in there!
Ditto, Tammi. Remember, each day they show up, they’re learning something from you. On some days, it may just be patience! Stay the course and so will they.
Tammi,
This is so much truth! Those who need summer school don’t see the spiral they are succumbing to.
Preach! Maybe it will be better in the fall. Lots of luck to you.
Mo, thanks for the prompt today! I really enjoyed it, though for some reason it took me mostly toward my spiritual beliefs at odds with my reality.
Four Modern Haikus
It takes a boy,
five loaves and two fish
to feed a multitude
thirsty for Pepsi.
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul,
without a helm
or stars to sail ‘er by.
Darkness and shadows
the cancer of convenience,
where the light relinquishes
moved beneath the bushel.
Little is written
of the cranky hearted saints
begrudgingly loving
beyond my cheerful capacity.
Rex —
This stanza really spoke to me:
“I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul,
without a helm
or stars to sail ‘er by.”
Right now the world does feel like a dark place. I think we can all use a guiding star from time to time.
The first two lines from “Invictus.”
Rex,
Loaves, fishes, and Pepsi.
Cranky saints. That damned bushel-dimmed light.
I recited “Invictus” to my freshmen on the last day of class this year and told them to go out into the world as masters of their fates, captains of their souls. (I didn’t tell them there would be long stretches without a helm, without stars.)
Thank you, always, for your poetry.
I’m chuckling because I just got home from the Chicago premiere of Jesus Christ Superstar. Your sounds are superb in this poem. I really like the cancer of convenience.
Thank you, Mo! So much going on this week, I appreciate brief but still a challenge to keep my gray matter motivated. Also love your story of the receptive learner. Lots of good mentoring here!
Mid-July
And still no monarchs
All the pesticides
Finally paid off
Oh, no! I want you to have monarchs! We currently have black swallowtail caterpillars.
Awww, Denise. Don’t give up. Keep
the hope. I am hoping they are just running late.
All those pesticides need to go. I also am missing the butterflies.
Yikes. Love the truth, but not the results.
Denise, your contrast stabbed my heart. Around here I think the herbicides contributed as well: no more milkweed.
Denise, I hope there is still hope! Drat those pesticides. Milkweed should have never been called a weed.
First modern haiku, first Ethical ELA post. Here goes!
numbered pieces
lettered hardware
kitchen island kit tempest
what were we thinking
My inspiration comes from four very long hours yesterday attempting to assemble a new kitchen island (a kit) for my elderly parents. So many pieces! So much hardware! My recommendation? Spend the extra money to buy something ready-to-go, if you can. Thanks, Mo!
I’m so glad you write with us today, Christie! Your poem is extremely relatable to me. It’s such a good feeling when you’re done. Here’s to hoping there are no extra pieces!
So happy to see you writing here, Christie. Your third line was difficult to say and matched the experience of putting the island together.
Christie — this line — “kitchen island kit tempest” — really captures the moment. I can totally relate. DIY projects are always such a hassle.
Christie, I love the humor in your poem! And your use of the word “tempest” is spot on — I have been in this situation, too. Everything scattered about: pieces, packaging, tools, and whatnot. Thanks for writing and sharing this!
Welcome, Christie!
“Tempest” is such a great word to describe the assemble-yourself condition! “What were we thinking” rings with humor. I noticed your attention to sound in “kitchen island kit tempest.” I can hear those consonants rattling around together! Bravo!
I love writing haiku, and I enjoyed dappling in the modern haiku.
Time Measured in the Water
My arms and legs move in tandem
through the glistening pool water.
Beep! Announces the phone,
signaling the next exercise.
That beginning sounded so peaceful, Heather! Love it.
Heather — loved the juxtaposition of tranquility with jarring beep.
This is indeed filled with some great sensory detail – I can visualize the swimmer’s movements in that kind of slo-mo broken way that limbs moving through water look from the above – and the word “glistening” makes it feel a little dreamy, but that then is broken with the sound detail – that phone, forcing the tranquility of the moment to move forward. The title is especially fun!
Mo, what a challenge! Your poem reminds me of the many things we take for granted or don’t think we would never run out of. I love the inconvenience of being convenienced (not really, just the idea!) Supply and demand are very real! Thank you for sharing.
I’m drawing blanks here, so I asked my husband for help. He gave me the idea and this is what I came up with. Not really sure about it, but I tried and that’s all that matters!
Scoff!
Poor rich man
lacking the funds
to attain the wealth
of a happy peasant.
I really like this, Jessica. I live the idea of a poor rich man lacking funds. And a happy peasant, I think that’s many of us!
Thank you Mo! And I agree, I would gladly be a happy peasant who can find the joy in almost anything!
Jessica, this is Truth! Thank you (and the assist from your husband)! People often equate “being rich” with “being happy,” and that simply isn’t always the case (at least this is what I tell myself as a public school teacher, lol).
Thank you Scott! I literally just got off a Zoom and the topic of teacher salaries came up. I’ll leave that alone, but yes. Rich is not always about money. And I’ll give props to my hubs. He’ll be glad for the shout out.
Money most certainly does not buy happiness. Nice one!
It sure doesn’t, Christie. Thank you for reading!
Jessica — You’ve nailed it. Wealth doesn’t buy happiness.
Thank you Tammi, I wish other people realized this!
Jessica,
Made me think of the poem about Richard Cory…
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44982/richard-cory
Rex…?. Puts it all into perspective!
Thank you for the inspiration, Mo. I especially appreciated the link to the traditional and modern versions of Haiku, one I can share with my students in the fall. I found your own example compelling with the convenient/inconvenience word play, as well as the unexpected twist at the end.
My own attempt:
Labridor
the color of chocolate lying
next to multi-colored, knotted rope-pull.
Eyes waiting.
Shelly,
What great color imagery emerges without specifics–thank you for sharing today.
So sweet, Shelly. Now I want to write a modern haiku about my dogs!
Shelly, “the color of chocolate”. I love how you used objects, food in this example, to show color. I feel that is a fun way to experience writing using imagery and vivid details. “Eyes waiting” is such a feeling of intensity. The anticipation of getting to play reminds me of when my children want to go with a parent and they are scrambling to get their shoes on…the wrong feet! What a joyous feeling of excitement! Thank you for sharing.
Shelly — fantastic image. I can totally see your chocolate lab in this moment.
Thanks for the fun Haiku prompt, Mo! My thoughts immediately went to my past church experiences where I find so many examples of hypocrisy. Just finished reading The Psychology of Christian Nationalism by Pamela Cooper-White which articulates and explains much of the frustration I’ve been feeling. I’m not against church and there is so much good to be found in so many churches. But, these haiku are based on some of my own church experiences.
Snarky Church Haikus
By Nancy White
I.
So many evangelicals
Cling to their guns
(You know, just like Jesus would.)
II.
In Jesus’ name
They love burgers, wave flags,
Equate God and ‘Merica.
III.
In the patriarchal church
Women teach Sunday School
And call their men “elders”.
IV.
The “elders” cheated,
The wives were blamed,
And Jesus wept.
V.
In church some sins not a thing.
Fornicators, adulterers, come! Partake!
Homosexuals go elsewhere.
Excellently snarked!
Linda, love all of these! The irony is striking!
Nancy,
You win the Snarky Haiku award!! You didn’t miss a beat! Love each haiku and the messages.
??????
What else is left to say? Nailed it.
Nancy,
These are fabulously dark and on point. Can this be Sunday’s reading?;)
Nancy, can I just say “amen” and wave my hand? So many people look to the church for guidance, yet you give “great” examples of how not to lead. Jesus is definitely weeping. Thank you for sharing!
Nancy — Truth! You’ve totally captured the hypocrisy. I totally agree with you, and now I want to read the book you’ve mentioned.
Nancy,
I think the bitter taste will be what eventually wakes us up, I hope. We have come a long way from the contrast that Jesus brought in the Beatitudes.
Nancy, I have not read “The Psychology of Christian Nationalism” by Pamela Cooper-White but will put it on my list. “Jesus and John Wayne” by Kristin Kobes Du Mez was the book that helped me claw through an understanding of “how we got here.”
Your poem(s) spoke to me directly (You know, just like Jesus would.) Your contrasts are blade sharp. Thank you.
Upon this woven recliner
in the elbow of lacquered iron
screams a stray cicada of Brood X.
Note: I am not sure if they are cicadas, but something is making a lot of noise in the trees.
Sarah, I am envisioning a sunroom, surely it’s too hot to recline outside. But perhaps, it is evening, since the cicadas are so loud. After a 2nd reading and a little inquiry into “Brood X”, I see it’s a single “stray” cicada upon-ing the recliner.
You have captured beautifully, an indelible moment of Oklahoma summer. “Scream” is an appropriate verb for the sound they make. You move me to reconsider all the “locust” shells left behind in my own backyard. It’s funny… I called them locusts most of my life, only learning the word cicadas a couple of decades ago.
With kindness and appreciation,
Shelly
So peaceful at first, and then that screaming cicada. It’s lovely. The sounds of summer!
Sarah, you always leave me in awe, even with just three lines and screams of stray cicadas! The city girl in me is trying to imagine it all.
?
Sarah, The music of cicadas in summer would have also worked for yesterday’s prompt–love it. Have you heard of the Seek App? You can scan the creature to find out what it is plus more!
I’m often intimidated by traditional form, but I enjoyed the challenge today. I’ve been trying to put this vision into words, so thank you for the invitation. We recently lost a family member, and the surprise rainbows were a welcome sight.
Two rainbows criss-cross
Take over the sunset sky
Evidence, he’s here
Angela,
You have me hovering over the hyphen between criss and cross as a pattern of movement in the sky. The “ss” holds these rainbows nicely in the repetition, and then I see the pair of “s’s” again in the “sunset sky.”
Peace,
Sarah
Angela, What an incredible view and gift you have captured. I’m pondering how two rainbows take over a “sunset sky” and imagine the power of that image at that moment. Beautiful.
With kindness and appreciation,
Shelly
Angela, what a beautiful tribute to the person you’ve lost. You’ve given us this perfect moment to share with you. Thank you.
My sincere condolences, Angela. Your poem honors your loved one and I am certain he appreciates you taking the time to write for him today.
Peace and comfort,
Stacey
This is lovely Angela, and I offer my condolences to you and your family. I am envisioning the rainbows taking over the sky, not as in a battle mode, but more like a double confirmation, a distinct sign…a sign needed for peace and strength. Thank you for this.
Mo, thank you for this! I wasn’t familiar with the Modern Haiku before your poem and prompt today. I love that your mentor poem – so brief yet so powerful – turns from the humor of “convenience” versus “inconveniently” into the much more serious and very real problem of finding enough “baby formula.” (As a side note, I found that once I started writing them I couldn’t stop. Lol.)
______________________
Forced Compliance – Patriotic Edition
my neighbors enjoy celebrating
the birth of our nation’s independence
even months after the fact
_____________________
My School’s Email Filter
the Poetry Foundation emails
are marked as spam
but those claiming to enlarge
specific parts of my anatomy aren’t
_____________________
Modern Haiku
like my irritability, of late,
is limited in length
but boundless in scope
_____________________
Poetry Drafts
words, sometimes, snap
together like LEGO blocks
and at other times simply
bite into the bottom of my feet
Scott,
So much fun to read this series of modern haiku as a traipse or trot through your mind. I would love to see students doing this sort of work as an exercise in stream of consciousness that engages in the ecology of our physical and meta worlds. The LEGO haiku has me especially interested as my nephew is BIG, BIG into snapping the blogs and being in the world he creates!
Peace,
Sarah
Scott, it’s slightly addictive, isn’t it? I’m so glad you shared all of yours. They are wickedly funny. Side note- email from my district’s payroll service goes to Spam.
Ohhhhh Scott! Are we both in LAUSD? My school email junked mail from school-related websites and allowed mail from a bus driver claiming I needed to contact HR about my job! Pure insanity.
Love your approach to the prompt!
Nailed it with the LEGO haiku in so many ways. Sometimes words just flow together, don’t they? Other times it’s like attempting to join a true LEGO brick with a no-name one — they don’t fit.
Scott,
I loved the spam and LEGO efforts. Do keep in mind that the literal Spam lasts forever, right? I think of the words/LEGOS that I step on as the ones that someday take flight, if I am patient enough…
The School’s Email Filter is great! I laughed out loud.
Scott,
I’m glad you didn’t stop. These were good comic relief.
Dry doggy dandruff
Tending with a cautious comb
A sleek, sable coat…
Katrina,
Such fun with the alliteration in each line to set the tone of transformation from dandruff to sable coat. Looking dapper now!
Peace,
Sarah
I love this. Your sounds are great. I may need some grooming advice for one of my dogs who can’t stand to be brushed. I was told she was a street dog before we got her.
A nice turnaround, to be sure. And I totally get this! My doggo is a massive shedder (advise against Great Pyrenees for anyone who doesn’t want year-round haystacks of white hair). What I love about any “pet” poem is seeing the relationship between the speaker/human and their furfam member. This is so sweet – with “tending” and “cautious” – probably not something the dog really wants done, but the end results in a better relationship between the two- and four-leggeds.
Hi Mo,
Thank you for today’s prompt and your poem. You know I love haiku and now I can fall in love with the modern haiku.
2014 sticky notes frame my bathroom mirror
silent cries for help
prayers for peace and freedom
2022 gratitude journal of joy
© Stacey L. Joy, July 19, 2022
The picture shows some of my sticky notes from my time of suffering. I had to remind myself EVERY DAY that I would find my peace.
Stacey,
Thank you for sharing this snap from your sticky note mirror frame. While “silent” they do nudge and remind and hold space with fierce adhesive! That final phrase of “journal of joy” is transformative indeed. Hugs and gratitude that you nurtured your suffering into joy.
Peace,
Sarah
I love the progression in your poem, Stacey. Thanks for showing us your vulnerable side. ❤️
Stacey, thank you for sharing your poem (and your post-its)! I’ve also found that poetic affirmations (or quotes or passages) really do help me navigate through life! (Side note: I was excited to see a “Stacey Joy” in the Poetry Foundation Zoom this morning. I was, like, oh, I know her! She’s a fellow Ethical ELA poet friend! And if you have no idea what I’m talking about…there’s an imposter lurking about!)
Thanks for including the visual. I keep taped notes around my computer frame to keep me in a positive mindset.
This is a profound look at how you have saved your own life and continue to blossom. Have you heard of Fleur de lis speaks on Instagram? https://www.instagram.com/fleurdelisspeaks/
She’s the daughter of a close friend of mine. After a traumatic brain injury, she started writing notes of encouragement. She’s now an influencer. I love her daily notes.
Love the use of the old and the new! Handwritten sticky notes photographed with a cell phone! Also commend you for answering those silent cries for help with your prayers. Please accept my behalf of those who may not get to thank you. Thanks, Ms. Stacey for praying for us.
My Current Situation
recovery from surgery
pain lingering in different degrees
frustrating yet steadily progressing
a slow moving regenerative journey
Seana,
First, I’m sending you healing thoughts, and I hope poetry is cathartic, too. I sure understand the slow plod of progress. Hang in there!
Seana,
Sending comfort your way. Your modern haiku with all the “g” throughout makes me see this drop in the letter throughout as the pain progressing — all the “ing” leading into that last line of “a slow move regenerative journey.” The speaker here is being patient (pun intended?)
Hugs,
Sarah
Take care of yourself, Seana. You’ve really nailed the portrait of a healing patient here.
Seana, please take it slow and easy. We need you well and recovered.
Praying for your total wellness. ?
Wishing you continued progress in your healing. This spoke to me today. I have been suffering from plantar fasciitis, and your words captured my experiences.
Thank you for the opportunity to try out a modern haiku!
Plans, work, money all
Employ to construct her childhood
Why, why do I come up short with
Her most treasured component: my time.
Emily, your phrase choice of “employ to construct” causes me to reflect upon what we hold most important. We usually have either time or money. It’s hard to have both. It’s hard not to have to chase both.
Emily,
Such a wise turn in that last line set up with the powerful colon.
Peace,
Sarah
How true, Emily! I wonder why so many of us fall into this trap even when the answer is right in front of our faces! We’ll done.
Emily,
You captured every working mom’s dilemma. I remember how hard it always seemed to be able to balance work and time with my children.
It’s a much needed poem and don’t be too hard on YOURSELF. ?
Oh my! I feel these words deeply. That time is precious and goes by so fast. The last line is powerful.
Mo, we live in the same section of our diverse country, so you’ve probably had the same experience. But no matter where we live, there’s no getting around the fact that we’re part of the ecological food chain. And few things stop those who are hungry from getting what they need to survive. We’re hungry for aesthetic beauty; they’re hungry for physical food.
FLORA AND FAUNAE/ DAISIES AND DEER
We plant flora for beauty.
The faunae see it as food.
Remember, we share the universe with them
And diversity sees things differently.
Anna, your poem with image makes us think.
I like your last line “And diversity sees things differently.” Reminds me that my neighbors bring a variety of understanding to moments shared; we need to open our hearts to their perspective.
Anna,
I’m currently reading Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler and something in your poem reminds me of the humans trying to survive in a time set in the 2020s (sci-fi written in the 90s).
I appreciate the alliteration with flora, faunae, and food. And the idea of sharing a universe with diversity, allowing me to see things differently is my take-away. I will be thinking about this for awhile.
With kindness and appreciation,
Shelly
What a lovely reminder, Anna. I especially like your last line. Thank you!
No, thank you for this new to me form. I do love the regimen that haikus follow and was afraid I’d not be able to write to this. Your poem gave me a wonderful model – but know that the subject matter is anything but wonderful!
I have an affinity for dragonflies so when I saw one captured upside down hanging from a sliver of a web and flying in the breeze I knew the scene begged to be captured somehow. The modern haiku seemed perfect.
Spirited dragonfly how you soar in the breeze
Dangling by a web you drag-on
Tethered and still able to fly
Guided by a spirit wind
Pix below
Christina, this moment works perfectly for the haiku and you’ve captured the dragonfly’s spirit (still able to fly), despite the sad situation. I love your word choices (soar, dangling, tethered, guided) that give energy to something without any.
Christina, I adore this! You’ve given that dragonfly such majesty in si few lines. We’ll done!
Christine, dragonflies are fascinating and I love the movement in your poem: dangling, tethered and guided. Your last line is exquisite! Thanks for sharing the photo.
Christine, wow! Such a breathtaking poem and photo.
We should all remember we can still fly, tethered or not. Oh how I love this!
?
Sorry for the typo Mo! (Not No)
Mo, thanks for this challenging prompt. I want to practice writing the modern haiku more. Today, I was trying to show the opposite of silence and cacophony; beauty and horror, but I feel like I did not quite get there. Anyway, this is the result so far.
Drive-by
silent blue lights
flicker
illuminating red gore
transfixed
Barb Edler
19 July 2022
Wow, Barb. So few words and yet the images are so striking. I am transfixed by your poem.
You sure have conjured up a clear image with a lot of associated feelings with only 8 words! I think this is a great poem!
Barb, your words are haunting. I see these images and understand the contrast you. want to capture here.
This is powerful, Barb! I think you definitely got “there” with this. (And as a side note: did I “see” you “in the wild” today? And by that I mean were you the Barb Edler that attended the Poetry Foundation Zoom this morning? I saw your name and was, like, I know Barb! We’re poetry friends on Ethical ELA! If this isn’t ringin’ any bells, there might be another poet out there trying to steal your identity!)
Yep, that was me. Really loved Janet Wong’s presentation. I made a list of things for my poetry suitcase:)
Barb, the blue and the red are powerful words that create such imagery here – another shooting, perhaps. We had one in our small town over the weekend. With blue lights flickering. Colors bring such emotion. I love this!
Barb,
I love the idea of motion in drive-by contrasted with the idea of being locked in, transfixed. It is even more striking as the start and end to the haiku.
Mo, thank you for giving us this form. I am a form follower so this was a little hard to embrace at first.
My daughter is entering 8th grade. She participated in both cross country and track last year. This month, she is participating in a girls running club which meets from 6:30 to 8:00 am during the week. She gets herself there but I — night owl — get up with her to make sure she is on time. So I’ve started walking when she runs.
early morning walks
still tough for the night owl.
after effects feel awesome —
early bird in the making?
©JenniferKowaczek July 2022
Jennifer, I love the ending question and the use of birds to help illustrate the message.
Your poem brought a smile to my face, Jennifer. I love that you acknowledge the after effects are awesome, but I get how it’s hard. Thanks for trying the firm. It’s hard for me sometimes, too!
This early bird hopes you continue to enjoy the after effects – especially in the hot summer sun!
Jennifer, I like how you’ve used two well known and opposing phrases: night owl/early bird, yet your poem is not at all over familiar. It feels fresh and funny! You’ve done a great job!
human innovated algorithms
destroy creativity, spontaneity
strengthened by finger taps, scrolls, speech
designed to nourish our madness
Stefani-
The focus of your poem — human innovated algorithms — is do spot on! I find myself thinking about this more now that my daughter is a teen. Thank you for sharing.
Wow! I love the “designed to nourish our madness”…yes. Spot on!
Ooh, Stefani! Now you’ve got me really curious as to what inspired your poem. Did you read Susan’s poem below? I think they work well together.
Ohhh, this definitely speaks to me and my growing habits of looking up all my wonderings, rather than letting them sit and stew..very neatly and insightfully written!
Algorithms and madness. Love the juxtaposition of these words. So true and very sobering. Well done!
Friends,
Thank you for being with us this July. We have a schedule for the Open Write each month for writers to sign up to host. If you’ve never hosted an Open Write, we’d love for you to take up a day. We have a few openings that need you. Check it out here…
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oNL5B0DSXBtPtcnxkx-riQByy4x9KPHMaeZbG_OopCI/edit?usp=drivesdk
This exercise is serendipitous because the other day I wrote a series of modern haiku about photos of butterflies in a garden. I love the freeing up of the syllable count and focusing more on the image itself.
i.
Yellow to yellow
stream to river
butterfly flow
ii.
A vast universe
of polka-dot pom-poms
Where do I fit in?
iii.
Tip-toe proboscis
sips cotton-candy sweetness
golden morning ray
I wonder if these haiku work without the photos to support them?
Thanks for reading.
They work, Margaret – you paint the pictures with your words. Spareness doesn’t detract. I savor every delicate image.
These are so beautiful! I love “vast universe / of polka-dot pom-poms” – so vivid in such a short space.
These poems work well as i am able to envision the butterflies from your words.
Thank you.
Just lovely, Margaret. We are enjoying the butterflies in the Midwest now, too. I have a bunch of Black Swallowtail caterpillars I’m keeping my eye on in my yard. I really love the tip-toe proboscis.
Margaret, your words create such vivid images I’m not sure I want to see the pictures. Yet, as a butterfly lover I do want to see them!
What a darling series! Each carries its own feeling. I especially enjoy line 3 of series ii, “Where do I fit in?” Kind of arresting, and I like it. Stopped me as I read, and I can imagine a picturesque and lively garden.
Margaret, as always your words paint the picture! Photos not needed at all! Lovely!
Absolutely, these work! In fact, I love how you’ve chosen specific details of the butterfly to highlight and then you delve into the vast meaning inside each one. I love the “vast universe/of polka-dot pom-poms.”
Mo, I love the immediacy of the poem – I found myself staring at empty shelves myself and feeling the pain of a young mother.
Perhaps because of the memories, my haiku is of my daughter who learned to walk in Nagasaki’s Peace Park.
Sri Vidya
She toddled
In Peace Park
Aspirational, directional
She strides with grace
Hi Rama. Your poem holds such beautiful imagery. The sounds really enhance those images for me.
Rama—
What a great memory to capture in a poem. Your words paint the image of a young girl learning to walk very well.
Rama, I love the change from the opening “toddled” to “She strides with grace.” Learning to walk in Nagasaki’s Peace Park….wow! Beautiful words and focus here.
I smile at the image of her toddling in Peace Park. Such innocence and beauty in so few words
Rama,
Rama, the juxtaposition of the graceful toddler is spot-on. There is something incredibly powerful about the toddling body that uses that aspiration and direction to remain upright. Excellent choice of words!
Thank you Mo – maybe you can locate the formula elsewhere? Does baby formula – formulate babies?
Twisted Gratitude
All the teachers were grateful,
enjoying snacks provided on the
table,
Listening to a lecturer telling them
they were unable.
-Boxer
Whoa! Boxer – you reveal a major incongruity here, indeed. Why have staff meetings with snacks to take the edge off when you’re gonna put everyone on edge? So well-done!
Boxer,
Will you consider hosting a day of Open Write? We have a few days that need a host. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oNL5B0DSXBtPtcnxkx-riQByy4x9KPHMaeZbG_OopCI/edit?usp=drivesdk
Durant it seem like teachers will do anything fit a free snack?!? It felt like a punch to the gut when you revealed that lecturer, Boxer. I think we’ve all been there.
Boxer, ugh…I feel this through and through. “They were unable” sends such a gut-punch. Why can leaders not figure out how to bring out the best rather than diminish. Your title is magnificent, too! Bravo!
Boxer, what a contrast you create here between the providing of snacks and denying of talent, ability, capability, etc.
Ouch! and Yes! Quite poignantly written – the essence of the teacher’s grateful heart along with the too-common feeling of inadequacy.
Boxer, I love this. The provided snacks provided to soften the harsh words of the lecturer. Such irony.
Boxer, I hope those snacks were chips, or Cheez-It’s, or carrot sticks, or something loud enough to drown out the lecturer. You’ve certainly captured the all too common and offensive transaction of free food for unwarranted teaching advice/PD.
Mo, I love the freedom of modern haiku. It’s funny how syllable counts are sometimes the exact “paring knife” we need and how the form constrains us at others – depending on what they poem is trying to say. This juxtaposition of convenience stores being inconveniently out of baby formula is a perfect haiku time-capsule for the times.
Since I just had the gutters cleaned and old downspouts replaced yesterday, I am working with that imagery. Here goes – and thank you!
Leaking gutters
purged of sludge, with new downspouts
stormwater conduits now capable
of saving my foundation.
So much depends on those gutters! I love the spiral of purged of sludge.
Fran, love the “purged of sludge”. I can see is a metaphysical appeal to this common issue and the spiritual need to purge the sludge.
Exactly where my brain was, Barb!
Oh how I need a few gutters placed to save the new paint on my deck! Your words remind me that any topic can be written about! Who knew that gutters could be turned into a poem. But that’s what you Fran do best!
Fran, I love the utilitarian subject in your haiku. We had a downspout break years ago, resulting in a flooded basement. What an ordeal. Now we’re extra vigilant about their care.
Mo,
This sure is fun. I love the focus on imagery and the juxtaposing ideas. Your example shows us exactly what to do!
A family dinner
all assembled around the table
for food, fellowship, and connection
phones in hand.
~Susan Ahlbrand
19 July 2022
Ooooh! Quick turn to reality!! Excellent!
Susan, truth! You speak truth, divine and compelling.
Preach it ?- spot on!
Susan, I love the juxtaposition here. I fight this losing battle all the time.
“Phones in hand” says it all! Wonderful turn to modern dinnertime annoyance.
Perfect juxtaposition, Susan! You nailed the moment!
A sign of the tones, for sure! Perfect imagery.
*times. That’s what I get for typing on my phone so early!
Susan, oh my, your last line “phones in hand” is just so perfect to reveal a modern family connection problem. Brilliant!
Ugh! I can’t tell you how many times I want to grab them away! Maybe I’ll use your poem printed on a napkin. ??
Ouch! Ain’t that the truth! Working hard for a return to the fellowship and connection!
Susan, you nailed it. My brother who lives w/ us has been coming to the table w/ his phone lately. He’s 53, but when I told him to cut it out, he did.
Wow, that last line “phones in hand” nails our inability to connect nowadays.
Susan, you’ve captured this sad reality perfectly. Dinners today are a far cry from dinners of my youth. My husband and I often eat while glued to our phones.
Yep! Crazy isn’t it? Great topic for a modern haiku.
Mo—love the “inconvenient” convenience store! So much misery in four lines! Love the conciseness of this prompt!
Small Dogs
Useless small dogs
Wander aimlessly
Perusing tiny kingdom.
Street enemy passes.
Clamour ensues.
Ankles duly threatened,
Invader moves on.
GJSands
8-19-2022
Gayle, as a hopelessly smitten dog mom of little dogs that I constantly have to remind of their limitations, I am cheering your words this morning. I whisper to them that they’re gonna get their @$$ beaten barking at the wrong ones and they prove me wrong every time. Invaders flee. What is it about the spirit of protection in our little guys???
Small dog, big ego!
Oops—7-19 (time traveling?)
Gayle, I am giggling because my neighbor’s little dog surveys his kingdom every day. Thankfully, my ankles have been spared. 🙂
I love how you take us from the “Aw, how cute!” to the threat of a small dog. Once I was an unsuspecting ankle to a chihuahua and it was not fun.
(Ankles are safe here—fenced yard. All bark, no bite!) Interestingly enough, chihuahuas are known as one of the breeds most likely to cause injury!!
So relatable, Gayle! I have two small dogs who are adorable and ridiculous. My 5 lb Yorkie is desperate to harass the neighbor’s Mastiff. I love the word invader in your poem.
Gayle, I’m so glad the “Invader” moved on. You reveal so much with “Clamour ensues”.
Gayle,
Snu, our little dog w/ a big bark and heart, approved these haiku. Snug says you don’t have to be a big dog to be the leader of the pack. This dog mom agrees and loves your clever poem!
I love your line “Ankles duly threatened.” It evokes an image of little terriers or maybe chihuahuas snapping (and barking) territorially.
Ha! This made me laugh a “little.” Those small dogs. What would we do without them. They give us so much joy as we try to imagine what they are thinking.
Mo, as a lover of Haiku for all its simple power of words, I love the Modern Haiku you bring today, and your writing made it easy to see the juxtaposition of words and ideas. I worry for young mothers who can’t find baby formula when I see them post on Facebook that they finally found it at a certain store so others know it’s available if they get there fast enough. I strung my Modern Haikus in a continuation. Thank you for investing in us as writers today and motivating us to try a new form!
I confess: I want
the wrath of God
to befall them
***
these hearts I’ve
sorted into piles
by severity of need
***
yet I need forgiveness
and mercy
and grace
Kim—the idea of a “severity of need” sort fascinates me. Who would I put in which pile? Hmmm. And the third stanza—don’t we all need that second chance??
Kim, the circling from the first to the third verse made my heart catch. The short space we all need to travel feels like a chasm just like the distance from “wrath” and “befall” to “mercy” and “grace.”
An intriguing series of modern haiku leaves me wondering about our modern ability to forgive and show mercy. So many hearts broken. So many lives torn apart. We all know the struggle.
Kim, this reads almost as a prayer. Self-reflection, recognizing mercy given, to be given away in turn… that line about sorting hearts into piles about severity of need hits home. Who among us doesn’t do so, according to our own perspectives? As always, your haiku flow like a river of grace.
Kim, I love how you always play with the prompts and make them your own. I read your poem as a thoughtful meditation on the times. I feel that dichotomy of emotions constantly, too. I’m trying to be a better person, but some days it’s really difficult.
Kim, I feel the spiritual conflict throughout this. The desire to see one duly punished and the need to forgive and find “mercy/and grace”. Powerful piece!
Kim,
As a heart-sorter myself, every word of these haiku speak to me. Comeuppance, karma, justice will arrive some day, my friend.
How beautiful…the human vengeance v. need for another chance.
Mo, thank you for this prompt. I love it! And, thank you for the link to modern haiku. I have a hard time breaking away from the traditional. I want to be “right.” LOL which, I know is crazy–especially when it comes to poem-ing. I like the opposites in your haiku. This doesn’t impact me like it does my niece who has a baby. How stressful! But, set in your spare language it’s an observation and thought-provoking.
my cousin’s birthday
I’ve known him an entire lifetime
we celebrated a moon landing
now we swim in galaxies
Linda, you got the Modern Haiku right with the lifetime from moon to galaxy. I hope your cousin has a very happy birthday. Keep writing this form – – your knack for it is galactic!
Your haiku sets the stage for us to think about the passage of time. I watched the moon landing with my father and in the end, he was writing about new galaxies. Your poem reminds me of how much we lost by losing his thoughts. (I know you did not intend to do this, but it’s where my grief took me this morning.)
Hi Linda. I can totally relate to how you feel, being a rule follower myself. I’ve decided to play with this format a bit to see how I like it. Your last two lines are amazing. They speak volumes.
Linda, I just read a poem today about galaxies and being just a speck among the universe. I am impressed by how well you’ve captured an historical moment and move to a more spiritual connection. Provocative poem!
Mo, thank you for introducing the form of the modern haiku, which feels both freeing (so few rules!) and intimidating (there’s comfort in syllable counting). The irony of the inconvenient convenient store works so well in your poem. Such is life now – so many inconvenient conveniences.
for sale: the sign planted in our yard
suddenly announces movement
sold: this sign announcing movement
feels suddenly too sudden
Jennifer, I’m excited for you! The suddenness is real – and felt strongly here. I love a good change – – home is our place of roots, but new seedlings grow quickly and give a fresh start. New possibilities, new growth! How exciting!
Jennifer, that is my own sentiment: the modern haiku having lovely freedom and also being intimidating (wait – what to pare down??) Your haiku captures exactly what it’s like to make a major life decision. All that hoping for a thing to come to pass and then – wait – is it the right thing?? As I told my son just this week in his dilemma of changing jobs…it’s not a matter of right or wrong. It will work out either way; you have to go with what feels best to you. You have to look out for you. That self-doubt is a mighty thing when hopes and plans start becoming realities.
Wow, Jennifer. You really captured the suddenness of your home sale. I hope everything turns out the way you want it to.
Jennifer,
Moving is so hard, but you’ll have the excitement of building new memories and creating home. It’s a bittersweet moment your poem captures perfectly.
Oh, such a careful what you wish for moment Even though this is something that I’m working toward, I can only imagine leaving this home. This haiku has the perfect
…has the perfect juxtaposition of want to go…don’t want to go
Mo, thank you for giving us a prompt I can handle at 3:15 a.m. as I help care for my new grandson who is 23 days old. He was in the NICU 15 days and needs constant monitoring because he has some breathing problems. I’ve stayed up the past two nights to give the parents a break. I’m not allowed to post pictures, so y’all have to trust me when I say my grandson is perfect.
Little Bean
Little Bean coos in his bassinet as
Granna keeps watch and
cuddles past dreams of her baby bean
who sprouted this Little Bean grandson.
—Glenda Funk
Glenda, Little Bean! What a wonderful name for your new grandson. Love is wrapped up in each word throughout this, and I think coo, cuddles, and sprouted are perfect descriptions in your poem. I see you ever vigilant here as your grandson grows. Congratulations!
Glenda, everything about this is so sweet, from the moniker Little Bean to you cuddling past dreams to the use of sprouted with Little Bean. I truly hope he grows stronger every day during his NICU time. I’m sure he is just perfect!
Glenda, I know he is perfect! I can’t wait to see pictures! Little Bean is such a cute endearment. I know his parents appreciate the support and love that you are giving this new branch of the family tree…..or beanstalk :). Thank goodness he is home, where he can grow and thrive in the arms of those who love him so. This needs framing!
Glenda—congratulations! And empathy for the baby-watch—so scary, so awe-filled… (my daughter purchased a “sock” to monitor their premature baby’s breathing and heart rate—it allowed a little more assurance for them)
Glenda, congratulations on your baby bean grandson! I can envision his perfect preciousness. This haiku is precious also. Continued strength to him each day and to you all. There’s nothing in the world like being a Granna!
Congratulations, Gkenda! I love that you are a Granna. You’ve captured every nuance of babyhood in this poem!
This is the sweetest! Welcome to the world, Little Bean! I adore how you tuck in ‘baby bean’ and can absolutely relate to watching our children grow as their lives unfold. So happy for the precious moments you have together, all of you.
Oh, my goodness…congratulations! How wonderful. I’m sorry to see the breathing problems and am so glad you can be there for little guy and his parents. Enjoy every moment! Your haiku is a joy to read.
Glenda, congratulations! This was such fun! I kept coming back to read this during the day. I just love the phrasing of your last two lines: “cuddles past dreams of her baby bean / who sprouted this Little Bean grandson.”
Oh, Glenda, “Keeps watch” has all kinds of added meaning given your introduction. So glad you can take a turn, and that he is home now.
I love your three generations in this poem. Isn’t that a fact of comparing the baby to the parent? My daughter is even doing that with her own baby pictures. I love “cuddles past dreams” — what warm memories must have come back to you!