Whirling with Robert Bly
The first line of each haiku or senryu is taken from “Ravens Hiding in a Shoe” by Robert Bly.
The old alchemists,
burdened by perplexity,
seek the raven guide.
~~ ~~ ~~
So much of your life
is spent in seeking shelter
from the coming storm.
~~ ~~ ~~
the end of summer—
one drooping fern reviving—
gentle evening rain
~~ ~~ ~~
Ravens at night hide
where the chipmunks recommend—
in windswept fencerows.
~~ ~~ ~~
Each sentence we speak
in the sad café—morsels
for our emptiness.
~~ ~~ ~~
A four-year-old speaks
in a boulder-sturdy voice,
her elders amazed.
~~ ~~ ~~
Some ancient language
to help me even the score—
the choicest of words.
~~ ~~ ~~
You do that again
and again, for it’s your job
and no one else’s.
~~ ~~ ~~
An old woman’s shoe
cannot handle a man’s foot—
see the crumpled toe?
~~ ~~ ~~
To protect their sons,
the mothers give them peanuts
inscribed with prayers.
~~ ~~ ~~
Say, “I trust in God,”
even when what’s happening
shreds your heart and soul.
~~ ~~ ~~
She has dipped her head,
so that no one sees her face—
mother in mourning.
~~ ~~ ~~
God has already
crawled into a cabinet—
how will you find him?
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More The Sunday Whirl, Wordle 78
More The Poetry Pantry #120
The old alchemists,
burdened by perplexity,
seek the raven guide.
~~ ~~ ~~
So much of your life
is spent in seeking shelter
from the coming storm.
~~ ~~ ~~
the end of summer—
one drooping fern reviving—
gentle evening rain
~~ ~~ ~~
Ravens at night hide
where the chipmunks recommend—
in windswept fencerows.
~~ ~~ ~~
Each sentence we speak
in the sad café—morsels
for our emptiness.
~~ ~~ ~~
A four-year-old speaks
in a boulder-sturdy voice,
her elders amazed.
~~ ~~ ~~
Some ancient language
to help me even the score—
the choicest of words.
~~ ~~ ~~
You do that again
and again, for it’s your job
and no one else’s.
~~ ~~ ~~
An old woman’s shoe
cannot handle a man’s foot—
see the crumpled toe?
~~ ~~ ~~
To protect their sons,
the mothers give them peanuts
inscribed with prayers.
~~ ~~ ~~
Say, “I trust in God,”
even when what’s happening
shreds your heart and soul.
~~ ~~ ~~
She has dipped her head,
so that no one sees her face—
mother in mourning.
~~ ~~ ~~
God has already
crawled into a cabinet—
how will you find him?
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More The Sunday Whirl, Wordle 78
More The Poetry Pantry #120
Posted on October 21, 2012, in haiku, senryu, The Poetry Pantry, The Sunday Whirl. Bookmark the permalink. 17 Comments.
The last haiku really poses a striking question … well written !!!
A complexity of haiku (my new ‘family’ word)
Sort of like “a murder of crows,” eh?
I wouldn’t be so rude – mine is a compliment.
I loved each one! Especially the last!
Each one cause for pause and consideration-as always much thought has gone into these, Teacher.
This one…
“So much of your life
is spent in seeking shelter
from the coming storm.”
really makes me think…so many miss the goodness of now for the worry of the next tragedy. I really enjoy this one…great lesson.
Say, “I trust in God,”
even when what’s happening
shreds your heart and soul.
…wonderful words to live by!
What fantastic haiku!!!!!!! I especially love the sad cafe with its “morsels for our emptiness”. Wow. LOVED these!
These are all spectacular and not easy to do. I love how you have incorporated the lines from Robert Bly’s poem. You really challenge yourself! Bravo!
ah, the last three…very touching
I especially like the child’s boulder sturdy voice.
Well done, Mystic.
You inspire me.
Cheers!
JzB
Could that cabinet be my heart? I hope so! Lovely set especially loved the final three.
Could be!
I paused between these–you write to savor–
How kind you are! Thank you for your gracious visit!
If you look, you’ll find what you’re looking for…