Yesterday I talked a little bit about the form and traditions around the haiku, but today I just want to say something about why I love the form.
Haiku, by definition, are small — not just in structure but in scope. They are meant to capture a moment. And in order to do that, you’ve got to slow down (or even stop) and pay attention. You’ve got to notice what is happening, which sounds hang in the air, the quality of the light in the leaves, the vigor of the dog’s lope.
And that stopping? That noticing? That can turn your day around. Honestly. It really can. It really does.
Today was daunting
but didn’t turn out half-bad
upon reflection
Yes.
Yes to the comments. Yes to the haiku. Yes to the photo.
Oh, the lighting in that photograph is so lovely… and yes – that’s one of the things I really enjoy about poetry month (and tankas) is that I’m forcing myself to write every day and to really focus on the moments that happen… I may try this over vacation, to see if I remember/experience more in that way…