This is my post for the Sunday Sribblings, May 27th prompt: “simple”.
Author’s note: Immediately upon reading this prompt, haiku flashed to mind — simple, beautiful. I have therefore created a suite of seven haiku’s that each resonated in some way for me around the word simple. I also recorded myself reading each. Go to bottom of post to hear these “spoken word” pieces.
Simple
(suite of seven haiku’s)
•
haiku 1
what is happiness
wise man offers this reply
one breath then the next
____________________
haiku 2
what we call something
others do without effort
that we’ve yet to try
____________________
haiku 3
lone leaf on clear pool
turns in gentle summer breeze
song bird softly sings
____________________
haiku 4
the minds of others
who do not see things our way
obviously fools
____________________
haiku 5
light grey cotton shorts
tan belt, white oxford cloth shirt
tan sandals, no socks
____________________
haiku 6
lifting you from bed
knowing that you cannot walk
taking you to sun
____________________
haiku 7
starts with letter S
made up of two syllables
means easy, or plain
…
To hear poem read by author, click here
Rob Kistner © 2007
You have a wonderful voice — I really enjoyed hearing you read these beautiful haiku. I read and enjoyed them too! Each one paints a perfect moment and feeling. Number 1 is the ultimate zen! Number 2 is a good reminder about effort. Number 3 is such a sweet moment of nature. Number 4 made me smile because I’m guilty of doing this once in a while (especially re: politics) before I catch myself! Number 5 is perfect observation — I actually had to look down to remember what I was wearing today! Number 6 brought tears to my eyes. And number 7 is such a perfectly “simple” haiku.
Clare –
Thank you! I enjoy doing the “spoken word” recordings.
This prompt was great fun.
Haiku are addictive once you start writing them.
No.4
Love the narrow arrogance.
Nice contrast to No.2’s optimism…
Lovely haikus.
This is a form of poetry I am particularly fond of, even if I find the syllables counting in English a little daunting…
But I like the challenge of the story in only just a few words (and one deep breath).
Nathalie
Inconsequential –
No. 4 has a universality to it. It is about every person, at one time or another.
No. 2 has a bit of inflated ego mixed in with the optimism.
Glad you stopped by. Visit again.
Nathalie –
Thank you!
in just a few words
together with a deep breath
stories can be told
Nice little haiku you have in your comment, Nathalie! 🙂
A variation might be this.
in just a few words
and with a very deep breath
much truth can be told
Haiku is a fun, and challenging poetic form.
You rock, pops! I enjoy your recorded poetry. I’m thinking you could have a career as an audio book reader. 😉
Jus –
Though I’ve never pursued that — I’d enjoy it!
Get me connected. 🙂
So soothing to listen to your words as I read along. Funny how a haiku can lift and stretch the perspective within such a small space. Thanks!
Matthew –
I am glad you enjoyed your read!
Haiku poetry is a special kind of magic.
Rob, I always love stopping by to see what you’ve come up with and you never disappoint. Wonderful.
Janie –
Thank you! I’m humbled.
I appreciate your visiting — always welcome… 🙂
I enjoyed your snapshots of simplicity!
Various shades are depicted in this series of haikus. Those resonated with me.
I liked listening to your voice too.
Thanks.
That’s a lovely set of haiku. A wonderful form for this particular prompt.
So many different ‘simples’ – I enjoyed the journey through them all (both reading and listening). No.2 is clever and very perceptive, as is 4; 6 particularly touched my heart and 5 re-evoked my initial response to this prompt, which was ‘clothing ourselves in simplicity’ – light colours and fabrics in simple forms, which is what I prefer when I am writing or painting. 3 is a lovely ‘snapshot’ haiku, and 1 and 7 frame the sequence well. I enjoyed all this!
You have a very good reading voice. I especially liked #1. Have you read any of Ayya Khema’s books? She was a German Buddhist nun living in Sri Lanka. That haiku reminded me of her noble writings.
Oh, just lovely- all of them. I can’t pick a favorite- but I do love hearing you read them…
I love haiku, and these are all lovely. I wrote one about May on my blog a few days ago, but went in an entirely different direction for this week’s prompt. I think I like #4 the best–so true 😉
Juliet –
Thank you!
I’m glad. 🙂
Gautami –
That pleases me!
Catherine –
Thank you!
This prompt immediately drew me to this simple and lovely form.
Rose –
I appreciate your enthusiasm — thank you!
It was a lovely spring day, so I sat on my patio, listening to the stream babble, and the breeze rustle in the old growth — and let my mind open. These are what appeared.
It was a wonderful day! I’m pleased it touched you as well.
Beaman –
Thank you for the compliment!
I had not discovered Ayya Khema, but your inquiry prompted me to explore.
I found a talk she did in Santa Fe, New Mexico in April of 1992. She discussed the essence of Metta, which she explained was love. It was most engaging and inspiring. I will be reading more of Ayya.
I appreciate your nudge, my friend!
Regina –
Thank you — you are kind!
I’m pleased they carried equal weight with you. They are each a bit different — so maybe they can each be your favorite?
Sognatrice –
Thank you for your kind words!
Yes, #4 is a universal guilt, we each carry on occasion.
I love this haiku below that you have written, and which I share here. You’ve offered a wonderful insight to the month of May.
As your name suggests
Possibilities abound
Nothing definite
Bravo Sognatrice!
Simple, pure and beautiful! I especially liked #1 and #4.
Kamsin –
Thank you for your very kind words!
Enjoyable haiku. While all strike a chord, I adore #2. And #6 is beautiful. Have you seen the One Deep Breath site? (www.onebreathpoetry.blogspot.com) I think you would enjoy it. I found it several weeks ago.
Patois –
Thank you!
I am very glad you enjoyed the work, and understand your two favorites. I enjoyed writing them all, and making the spoken word recording.
I just posted a new suite of four haiku, which includes a spoken word recording. It is called Seasons.
One Deep Breath — yes, I know the site. I have a link there to my composite Dreams Drift Through Reason, which includes two haiku and a piece of my abstract art.
Your early entry inspired mine…beautiful! Thank you!
These are great, and I especially loved #1.
Tammy –
Thank you!
You are most welcome. I liked the piece you posted for “Simple”.
Boliyou –
Thank you — I’m glad #1 reached you.