This Life

While the days become short

And the nights much longer,

And my mind digs deeper

And stirs up the mud –

And then clouds my dreams.

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In fitful sleep I’m troubled

And filled with self doubt,

And clinging to straws

And words of kind friends –

And trying to focus on good.

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When dawn fills my eyes

And once again I am calm,

And family stands beside me

And reminds me of fine times –

And the kindnesses we’ve shared.

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I fill my lungs with fresh air

And my heart with their love,

And my mind with sound knowledge

And my hands with hard work –

And go on rejoicing this life.

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Senryu (Lunch with Friends)

food consumed sustains
eat alone, the body mends
with friends the soul heals

 

Time (an observation)

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(sketch by nelkumi – poet, artist, story teller and dog-lover. Thank you nelkumi, for your inspiration and generosity)

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When I was still quite small

And the world just so big,

I’d sit alone and think

About how long each day

Took passing to the night.

As I grew old and bold,

I knew time was a race –

And now the days are short

And nights are for deep thought.

So in this race with time

That I will call a life,

If you should see me fall

And take my time to rise,

No need for you to mind –

I’m keeping time in front.

Let him think he’s winning…

It gives more time to see –

The beauty in short days,

The wonder in long nights,

The innocence in eyes

Much younger than my own.

Haibun (King Tide)

Again a full moon drags an early morning king-tide against the rock wall and tempts me. I find myself wandering along the seafront towards the stairs which by now should be almost covered with cool salty water.  They are. I descend the stairs and the water reaches my waist and I can feel the soft sand and the gentle wash of waves against my body.  I relax and watch the sea. As the moon slowly passes overhead, she releases her grip on the ocean and the tide changes.  The water becomes calm. Gently the sea sighs against the rocks and turns.  I feel the massive sea gently tug against my body and am awed by both its strength, and beauty. I close my eyes and surrender to the peace and quiet.

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oceans surface calms

tide turns at the moons release

undertow beckons

Senryu (Desire)

 

cashmere sweater drapes

enticingly on soft curves

hungry eyes devour

 

Haiku (autumn)

clouds capture the east

autumn’s chill begins to bight

stock the root cellar

Senryu (Darkness)

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sleep ensnares my thoughts
like hoar frosts steals early dew
her mem’ry maims dreams