Jone over at deowriter is hosting a December haiku challenge: haiku for kindness and justice. (#haikuforkindness #haikuforjustice)
So I decided to go for it. I’ve written 5 so far, inspired by some quotes. And that’s what I will share today. I know I’m already behind, but it’s been a busy week! First, my family came to visit for Thanksgiving–which was awesome! It’s really exciting for me to have people come to visit me in my new home. And I love cooking with my daughters–it’s part of our tradition. When we spend the day cooking together, I feel so happy! For the past few years, we’ve planned our menu using google docs. Then we use it to organize the shopping list and schedule.
In addition, I had an index due. For some reason, November through February seems to be a very busy season for indexing. Which is awesome, but tiring.
Poetry Friday
Today, Tanita Davis hosts Poetry Friday. She shares poems about gratitude–for earthworms and modern life. And she shares a poetry challenge that’s starting December 15. In case you’re interested, here’s what she says:
The Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center is having a New Year’s Poetry Challenge! This year’s NYPC will begin on December 15th. Opt-in via email, and you’ll get your first prompt the night of the 14th! If you’d like to jump in, shoot them an email: Info_at_mostpoetry_dot_org. You will receive a prompt a day for 30 days. You choose to write to all the prompts, some of the prompts, or none of the prompts – it’s all for fun. Toward the end of the 30 days, they’ll put out a call for any poem you’d like to share in an NYPC chapbook.
Haiku for Kindness and Justice
I’ve been experimenting with posting my haiku on twitter and Instagram–here’s what I’ve come up with so far—-
Justice trickles, drips.
If it rolled like a river
How would life be?
Love requires courage.
How do we love what we fear
or even ourselves?
Long nights, dark and cold
Chill me to my bones.
Where are Stars to guide me home?
I left Chicago
Because I couldn’t breathe there–
Too much senseless death.
Who will hear my cries?
Who will love me for myself?
Who truly sees me?
That’s all for today-more haiku for kindness and justice to come. I love a writing challenge that makes me think and keeps me writing!
It’s been a while since I’ve focused on haiku– but I did have fun with some bug-ku a while back–including slugs and ladybugs.
Finally, thanks for stopping by.
xoxo
Susan, thanks for reminding me to sign up for the challenge Tanita shared. Now, I will have to visit Jone’s blog to see what she has in store for us. Your bent on social justice broadens my thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
I love how you’re using quotes for your inspiration!
I love these quotes and the haiku they inspired. They are such important reminders for today–and always.
These are lovely and wise – thank you, Susan.
Thanks, Tara!
I love the interplay between these quotes and your haiku. I couldn’t pick a favorite as they all appealed to me in different ways. Well done! (I’ve been semi-participating, but so far, only in my notebook. )
Thanks, Molly. I got off to a pretty good start, but fell off the wagon already! Writing them at all is great- I’d love to see what you have written.