Category Archives: The April Heights 2012
Elusive Music
The countertop doll
would dance with zest if she could—
elusive music.
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: Doll for sale in the “bullpen,” Hubbell Trading Post, Ganado, Arizona
More Straight Out of the Camera Sunday
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #30
More One Single Impression: “Elusive”
More The April Heights: “Zest”
More Ruby Tuesday 2
More I Heart Macro
More Macro Monday
More Blue Monday
More REDnesday
would dance with zest if she could—
elusive music.
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: Doll for sale in the “bullpen,” Hubbell Trading Post, Ganado, Arizona
More Straight Out of the Camera Sunday
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #30
More One Single Impression: “Elusive”
More The April Heights: “Zest”
More Ruby Tuesday 2
More I Heart Macro
More Macro Monday
More Blue Monday
More REDnesday
Six Takes on ‘Zest’
The first line of each haiku or senryu below is taken from “Falling” by James Dickey.
in many places
the former zest has vanished
replaced by ennui
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
there are the waters
brimming with zest and healing—
let us take the plunge
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
rich farmers counting
their flourishing fields and flocks—
in their fingers, zest
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Enlarging the moon—
zest for the impossible
keeps her young at heart.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
all over Kansas
cicadas calling with zest—
sibilant music
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Let her now take off
her tattered garment of zest
and put on ennui.
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #30
More The April Heights: “Zest”
the former zest has vanished
replaced by ennui
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
there are the waters
brimming with zest and healing—
let us take the plunge
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
rich farmers counting
their flourishing fields and flocks—
in their fingers, zest
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Enlarging the moon—
zest for the impossible
keeps her young at heart.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
all over Kansas
cicadas calling with zest—
sibilant music
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Let her now take off
her tattered garment of zest
and put on ennui.
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #30
More The April Heights: “Zest”
Honey for My Soul
Does it matter that I know where the first globemallows will bloom along the wash each April?
Not to the globemallows. Their rose-orange blossoms will open whether I seek them out or not. When their appointed hour comes, nothing, neither my presence nor my absence, will keep the furled flowers from responding to the urgent summons programmed within each cell.
The blooming does not matter to those who mistakenly think that “mallows” means a mound of tempting confections lying on a plate, waiting to be savoured.
And the blooming certainly does not matter to those who fear the wilderness and its wanton ways.
But to me it matters, and to the spirits of this wasted place, because we have a common purpose: to celebrate each fleeting wonder rising like a tiny phoenix from dust and desolation.
sheltered from the storm
elusive little blossoms
honey for my soul
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), Northern Arizona
More Postcards from Paradise at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More The April Heights: “Poet’s Choice”
More Straight Out of the Camera Sunday
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #29
More One Single Impression: “Elusive”
More Sunday Scribblings: “Storm”
More Mellow Yellow Monday
More Shadow Shot Sunday 2
More Floral Friday Fotos
More I Heart Macro
More Macro Monday
elusive little blossoms
honey for my soul
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), Northern Arizona
More Postcards from Paradise at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More The April Heights: “Poet’s Choice”
More Straight Out of the Camera Sunday
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #29
More One Single Impression: “Elusive”
More Sunday Scribblings: “Storm”
More Mellow Yellow Monday
More Shadow Shot Sunday 2
More Floral Friday Fotos
More I Heart Macro
More Macro Monday
Whirling Haiku and Senryu
The first line of each haiku or senryu below is taken from “Falling” by James Dickey.
heat from the cornfields
rising green in the morning
Iowa summer
~~ ~~ ~~
the last of moonlight
a sea of darkness washing
over the prairie
~~ ~~ ~~
from pastures of beans
and intractable meadows—
the keening of bees
~~ ~~ ~~
night air of Kansas
cicadas beating the stars
with their tattered wings
~~ ~~ ~~
The last wisp of fog
lifts from the maple-lined lane—
still she is stumbling.
~~ ~~ ~~
While farmers sleepwalk,
their flocks wander through starfields
nibbling shards of light.
~~ ~~ ~~
She could have made it
had she chosen to follow
the well-worn walkway.
~~ ~~ ~~
from her chosen ground
an alley on Second Street
the tinkling of glass
~~ ~~ ~~
for something to live
and not squander all its breath
it must have a dream
~~ ~~ ~~
my God it is good
to accommodate your lips
up against my own
~~ ~~ ~~
groaning for coffee
served in polished pewter mugs
oceans of caffeine
~~ ~~ ~~
She can no longer
use her eyes for seducing—
old Aztec princess.
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More The April Heights: “Poet’s Choice”
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #29
More The Sunday Whirl
rising green in the morning
Iowa summer
~~ ~~ ~~
the last of moonlight
a sea of darkness washing
over the prairie
~~ ~~ ~~
from pastures of beans
and intractable meadows—
the keening of bees
~~ ~~ ~~
night air of Kansas
cicadas beating the stars
with their tattered wings
~~ ~~ ~~
The last wisp of fog
lifts from the maple-lined lane—
still she is stumbling.
~~ ~~ ~~
While farmers sleepwalk,
their flocks wander through starfields
nibbling shards of light.
~~ ~~ ~~
She could have made it
had she chosen to follow
the well-worn walkway.
~~ ~~ ~~
from her chosen ground
an alley on Second Street
the tinkling of glass
~~ ~~ ~~
for something to live
and not squander all its breath
it must have a dream
~~ ~~ ~~
my God it is good
to accommodate your lips
up against my own
~~ ~~ ~~
groaning for coffee
served in polished pewter mugs
oceans of caffeine
~~ ~~ ~~
She can no longer
use her eyes for seducing—
old Aztec princess.
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More The April Heights: “Poet’s Choice”
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #29
More The Sunday Whirl
The ‘Eyes’ Have It
long ago I learned
flower gardens have no eyes—
butterflies rejoice
~~ ~~ ~~
eyes wet with weeping
old beggar takes up her post—
at once her bowl sings
~~ ~~ ~~
Her mother’s footsteps—
quickly she closes her eyes,
feigning deep sleep.
~~ ~~ ~~
three cups of coffee
to open my sleepy eyes—
a splash of vodka
~~ ~~ ~~
caress with your eyes
the skin of the blushing pear—
seductive healer
~~ ~~ ~~
Back to the village
she races, eyes wide open—
she has seen The One!
~~ ~~ ~~
three singing children
lifting their eyes with longing—
hungry little wrens
~~ ~~ ~~
Down by the river,
far away from prying eyes—
take me there, my love.
~~ ~~ ~~
When the book is done,
you’ll have eyes for me again—
until then, you write.
~~ ~~ ~~
After the battle,
he rubbed his eyes in wonder—
nothing stays the same.
~~ ~~ ~~
Crossing the river
she keeps her eyes averted
from the hungry crocs.
~~ ~~ ~~
A widow appears,
her brown eyes red with weeping
for her man, now gone.
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More The April Heights: “Eyes” (Poet’s Choice)
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #29
flower gardens have no eyes—
butterflies rejoice
~~ ~~ ~~
eyes wet with weeping
old beggar takes up her post—
at once her bowl sings
~~ ~~ ~~
Her mother’s footsteps—
quickly she closes her eyes,
feigning deep sleep.
~~ ~~ ~~
three cups of coffee
to open my sleepy eyes—
a splash of vodka
~~ ~~ ~~
caress with your eyes
the skin of the blushing pear—
seductive healer
~~ ~~ ~~
Back to the village
she races, eyes wide open—
she has seen The One!
~~ ~~ ~~
three singing children
lifting their eyes with longing—
hungry little wrens
~~ ~~ ~~
Down by the river,
far away from prying eyes—
take me there, my love.
~~ ~~ ~~
When the book is done,
you’ll have eyes for me again—
until then, you write.
~~ ~~ ~~
After the battle,
he rubbed his eyes in wonder—
nothing stays the same.
~~ ~~ ~~
Crossing the river
she keeps her eyes averted
from the hungry crocs.
~~ ~~ ~~
A widow appears,
her brown eyes red with weeping
for her man, now gone.
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More The April Heights: “Eyes” (Poet’s Choice)
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #29
Seeking Clarity
Seeking clarity,
I welcome shadow dancers
and their tongues of light.
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: The stone hogan, Hubbell Trading Post, Ganado, Arizona
More Haiku My Heart at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More Straight Out of the Camera Sunday
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #28
More The April Heights: “Clarity”
More Shadow Shot Sunday 2
More Skywatch Friday
More Himmelsk
I welcome shadow dancers
and their tongues of light.
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: The stone hogan, Hubbell Trading Post, Ganado, Arizona
More Haiku My Heart at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More Straight Out of the Camera Sunday
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #28
More The April Heights: “Clarity”
More Shadow Shot Sunday 2
More Skywatch Friday
More Himmelsk
A Dozen Ways to Clarity
In my own kitchen
may I have clarity, Lord,
as I mix muffins.
~~ ~~ ~~
coffee with sugar—
seven cups of clarity
to begin the day
~~ ~~ ~~
Clarity trembling,
she pours herself a cognac,
spilling several drops.
~~ ~~ ~~
She hears a drummer,
and then with new clarity,
understands her call.
~~ ~~ ~~
Have you lost your mind
or only a small portion
of your clarity?
~~ ~~ ~~
Too much in this world
messes with our clarity,
and we go astray.
~~ ~~ ~~
We had a good life
until lack of clarity
smudged our days with grief.
~~ ~~ ~~
Crossing the river—
a new way to clarity
for the wanderer.
~~ ~~ ~~
On this wretched night
she has no more clarity—
the broken wineglass.
~~ ~~ ~~
Guided by fireflies,
we are seeking clarity
on this summer’s eve.
~~ ~~ ~~
Without letting go
of the need for clarity,
plunge into darkness.
~~ ~~ ~~
Clarity falters
as she bets her last heartbeat
on his fickle love.
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More Haiku My Heart at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #28
More The April Heights: “Clarity”
may I have clarity, Lord,
as I mix muffins.
~~ ~~ ~~
coffee with sugar—
seven cups of clarity
to begin the day
~~ ~~ ~~
Clarity trembling,
she pours herself a cognac,
spilling several drops.
~~ ~~ ~~
She hears a drummer,
and then with new clarity,
understands her call.
~~ ~~ ~~
Have you lost your mind
or only a small portion
of your clarity?
~~ ~~ ~~
Too much in this world
messes with our clarity,
and we go astray.
~~ ~~ ~~
We had a good life
until lack of clarity
smudged our days with grief.
~~ ~~ ~~
Crossing the river—
a new way to clarity
for the wanderer.
~~ ~~ ~~
On this wretched night
she has no more clarity—
the broken wineglass.
~~ ~~ ~~
Guided by fireflies,
we are seeking clarity
on this summer’s eve.
~~ ~~ ~~
Without letting go
of the need for clarity,
plunge into darkness.
~~ ~~ ~~
Clarity falters
as she bets her last heartbeat
on his fickle love.
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More Haiku My Heart at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #28
More The April Heights: “Clarity”
Sniffing Temptation
sniffing temptation—
whiffs of freedom in the air
just beyond the fence
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: Horse corral, Hubbell Trading Post, Ganado, Arizona
More Haiku My Heart at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More Straight Out of the Camera Sunday
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #27
More The April Heights: “Temptation”
More Skywatch Friday
More Friday’s Fences
More Himmelsk
whiffs of freedom in the air
just beyond the fence
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: Horse corral, Hubbell Trading Post, Ganado, Arizona
More Haiku My Heart at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More Straight Out of the Camera Sunday
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #27
More The April Heights: “Temptation”
More Skywatch Friday
More Friday’s Fences
More Himmelsk
Lead Me into Temptation
This is my prayer:
Lead me into temptation,
but don’t leave me there!
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #27
More The April Heights: “Temptation”
Lead me into temptation,
but don’t leave me there!
© 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #27
More The April Heights: “Temptation”
Cloud Singer, Come
Cloud Singer, come,
sing your melody of joy
till this day is done.
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: Northern Arizona
More Haiku My Heart at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #26
More The April Heights: “Melody”
More Share the Joy Thursday
More Skywatch Friday
More Friday’s Fences
More Himmelsk
sing your melody of joy
till this day is done.
Text and photo © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Photo: Northern Arizona
More Haiku My Heart at Recuerda Mi Corazon
More We Write Poems: NaPoWriMo #26
More The April Heights: “Melody”
More Share the Joy Thursday
More Skywatch Friday
More Friday’s Fences
More Himmelsk
Magical Mystical Teacher 