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Strange bright thing
In the sky?
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Sunday 31 March 2013
Saturday 30 March 2013
Do not disturb
Do not disturb
Tiny grass is dreaming
Cuddling daisies
Do not disturb
Soil being strengthened
Worms at work
Do not disturb
Granddaughters playground
Growing from acorn
Do not disturb
March is underway
Ants processing
Xxxx
A friend posted this image on Facebook and neither of us know where it originates but I hope they don't mind me using it as my haiku muse.
He is risen
Three days ago
He died on the cross
We did nothing
Just stood and watched
In those days
We've cried and wept
For what we've lost
And all our regrets
And now, today
On visiting the tomb
Mary found
An empty room
Jesus gone
Who took him away?
Mary left
She couldn't stay
As she left
A man she saw
Spoke to her
Told her all
"He is risen"
This she says
That man was Jesus
It was him she met
Jesus died
This we knew
But now he's back
For me and you
Today is joy
For one and all
Mankind is saved
For ever more
Xxxx
This poem came about in prayer this evening as I was pondering that first Easter day as a disciple.
Waiting
It is done
He is gone
We are waiting
We must live on
Xxxxx
Between good Friday and Easter day we wait as the disciples waited. We know the good news to come, yet there is learning in this waiting each year.
Persecuted UK Christians
Let's get this straight
Christians in the UK
Are about as persecuted
As salmon swimming upstream
We're not!!!!
We're just on a different path
Thursday 28 March 2013
Maundy Thursday
Today is the Maundy
The day to remember
Jesus and his disciples
Sharing the last supper
Before they shared bread
Or drank wine together
Jesus washed all their feet
He cleansed them forever
Peter reacted
With pure constination
"You can't wash my feet
I am YOUR servant"
But Jesus insisted
"This I do for you"
Accept what I offer
Then do to others anew
When all feet were washed
The last meal was shared
Jesus spoke of his death
But they were not prepared
Today in our churches
Thru action we remember
The commandment of Jesus
To love one another
Xxxxx
Here are some posts I've previously written on Maundy Thursday:
Maundy Thursday
Why it is "Maundy" Thursday
Maundy Thursday musings
John 13:1-7
Wednesday 27 March 2013
The passion of Christ
The crowd are loud.
The priests are angry.
The rulers are confused.
The disciples are scared.
He prays.
Jesus is calm.
Jesus is accepting.
Jesus is quiet.
The cross is given.
Back and arms take the strain.
The distance grows ever longer.
He walks.
Jesus is calm.
Jesus is accepting.
Jesus is quiet.
The feet are bare.
The road is rough.
The crowds look on.
The cross is so heavy.
He falls.
Jesus is calm.
Jesus is accepting.
Jesus is quiet.
The walk continues.
The cross never leaves.
His mother steps out from the crowd.
He loves her.
Jesus is calm.
Jesus is accepting.
Jesus is quiet.
A man is chosen.
Simon will help him.
One man represents everyone.
He accepts help.
Jesus is calm.
Jesus is accepting.
Jesus is quiet.
They arrive.
The walk is done.
The humiliation continues.
The clothes are taken and divided.
He ignores it all.
Jesus is calm.
Jesus is accepting.
Jesus is quiet.
Jesus is nailed to the cross.
Through his hands.
Through his feet.
The pain is unbelievable.
He knows this pain is the end.
Jesus is calm.
Jesus is accepting.
Jesus is quiet.
Then ....
Jesus cries out.
Jesus cries out to God.
And ....
It is done.
Jesus dies.
Xxxxx
This is The Passion.
This is more than a story.
This is everything and more.
For more information about the passion please visit some of my previous posts:
Stations of the cross
Jesus is condemned to death
Jesus is given his cross
Jesus falls
Jesus meets his mother
Simon carries the cross
Jesus is stripped naked
Jesus is nailed to the cross
Jesus dies
Enjoying the unusual
Every normal day we're
Busy
Busy
Busy
But whilst recovering, today is
Empty
Empty
Empty
No rush
Rush
Rush
For school
No check
Check
Check
The clock
Together we're just
Chilling
Chilling
Chilling
An unusual day
A healing day
A special day
Tonight I dare to
Wish
Wish
Wish
For more
More
More
Of these unusual days
(but without the sickness)
Xxxx
Inspired by today and linked up at poetry jam
Holi celebration of colours
Sickness strikes
So here we hide
Raid the cupboards
See what's inside
We find a kit
Of coloured sands
Lay them down
In waving bands
Though we're sick
We still enjoy
All the colours
Of rainbow joy
Xxxxx
Inspired by the festival of colours 'Holi' celebrated in India today, thanks to Vaishali
Oborozuki
Outside my window
Endless depths of darkness
No moonlight tonight
Xxxxx
Linked up at carpe diem where we were writing about moon haze, but I couldn't see any; and at real toads where we have 50 words to describe what's scary outside the window.
Tuesday 26 March 2013
Here, there and everywhere
It won't ever go away
Eternity born
xxx
I love you here
I'll love you everywhere
I loved you there
xxxx
These haiku inspired by the lyrics by The Beatles are linked up at Carry On Tuesday.
Nothing like me
And what do I see?
There is a reflection
But it's nothing like me
The smile doesn't look right
How can it be there
When inside I'm suffering
Overwhelming despair
The posture is confident
Yet inside my head
I know I'm a failure
And should hide away instead
So what does this tell me?
This image I see
Which one is real?
Outside or inner me
xxxxx
Inspired by the art provided at The Mag
Not to be reproduced by René Magritte |
Haru Ta
Purest form of energy
Spring Paddy Fields
xxxxx
Rachel is off school sick with a stomach bug today and I've been feeding her toast, rice and bananas to ease her back into food. Seeing this prompt for spring paddy fields seemed to tie in nicely.
Sunday 24 March 2013
Palm Sunday
Highest Hosanna
Celebration of our king
On donkey riding
On donkey riding
Palm fronds laid on the ground
Cheering all around
Cheering all around
Expectations running high
They don't know he'll die
Xxxxx
This haiku is linked up at one single impression as a moment in time; at real toads as a roar from my heart; at haiku heights as an example of the optimal fortitude; and Sunday scribblings as an example of religious energy.
Saturday 23 March 2013
Hanagumori
carpets of blossom haze
pink warmth
awake to winter
carpets of fresh snowfall
white freeze
xxxx
linked up at carpe diem
Weeping Cherry
Covered in snowflakes
Weeping for spring
xxxxx
Yes, I'm writing haiku for spring and yet we've got snow, this pretty much sums it up.
Linked up at Carpe Diem.
Thursday 21 March 2013
Haru Higan (Spring Equinox)
Visiting graves
Tending flowers with love
Paying respects
Xxx
Observing garden
Desperately waiting for buds
Spring gone missing
Xxx
Turning point
End of winter's pain
Apparently
Xxxxxx
Linked up at carpe diem.
The daffodils are from mothers day, our garden ones aren't flowering yet.
Reaction to ++Justin inaugural sermon
Pomp and circumstance
Surprisingly relevant
Hope for the future
A modern priest
Leading the Church of England
And all Anglicans
Called to find a way
Together through big issues
Keeps us relevant
God at the centre
Jesus as the leader
Holy spirit led
Xxxxx
Read the actual inaugural sermon by archbishop Justin Welby
This poem is linked up at poets united.
Monday 18 March 2013
Onitsura's Valley Stream
Trickling slowly
Washing pebbles clean and bright
Shower for minnows
Xxx
Flowing gently
Polishing stones shiny
Salmon egg nest site
Xxx
Raging violently
Throwing rocks against each other
Fish obstacle course
Xxxxxx
Linked up at carpe diem.
When I was writing these haiku I kept getting images from the book "Salmon fishing in the Yemen". The picture is from the film of the book.
Saturday 16 March 2013
Parading parades
I know it sounds miserable
I know you will frown
But I'm not really into
Parades in small towns
They're always too kitsch
With amateur lobbed in
The music is painful
Brass bands making a din
Don't get me started
On the pageantry side
"Oh isn't she beautiful"
Yes, on the outside
The only parades which
I've ever enjoyed
Are those done by Disney
With actors employed
And those only sometimes
When I'm in the right mood
Other times they drive me crazy
And I come across as rude
Of course if Rachel ever wanted
To join in with a parade
I'd change my mind pretty pronto
And love the masquerade
Xxxx
Inspired by Kay and her prompt about parades for the real toads Sunday challenge. I sound like a right grouch but it's just that parades usually incorporate three things I don't like:
1. Bad music
2. Crowds
3. Queuing for hours
Hatsu hana
Waiting, watching
The buds emerge and bloom
Spring has arrived
Xxx
Our favourite tree
On our anniversary
Rains confetti
Xxx
LLM calling
Background and theme colour
Hope, joy and beauty
Xxxxxx
Linked up at carpe diem
Negotiate Peace
Let's sit down
Talk through all the issues
Negotiate peace
Find our common ground
Compromise on differences
Negotiate peace
Admit our mistakes
Find ways to do it right now
Negotiate peace
Create a system
United Nations together
Negotiate peace
Xxxxxxx
This poem was inspired by the photo and linked up at sepia Saturday. The photo was taken on the 17th July 1945 at the Potsdam Conference which brought together the leaders of the USA, Britain and the Soviet Union following the end of the War in Europe.
Pride before a fall
Over she topples
Grazed knees and cut elbows
Less sore than her pride
New to ice skating
Wishing she'd tried as a child
Less far to fall then
In youth we learn
In age we understand
Pride before a fall
Xxxxxx
Linked up at carry on Tuesday.
Tsubame
At last they arrive
Heralding summer warmth
Making home with us
Repairing with mud
Prepared for their arrivals
Expectant parents
We wait as they wait
We celebrate together
New life emerges
Each morning now breaks
With cheeps of hungry mouths
Parents so busy
We give our gifts
Nuts, seeds, fat and fruit
Our thanks for them
Xxxxx
Linked up at carpe diem. My gran's home had swallows visit for decades and it was always exciting to see them arrive.
Friday 15 March 2013
Faith meets fear
Bethlehem carving
Buried deep inside, ready
Held in hopeful prayer
Lifted from the fear
Transported into pure love
Yet with no movement
Fingers move slightly
Attracted to the painful
My heart skips a beat
Pain floods through again
Words remembered forever
Weigh me down once more
Xxxxx
This was written for the following prompt at real toads:
Imagine you hold a bag which contains two objects: one which can heal and one which can harm. Only you may identify these two objects through touch, texture, shape-recognition and imaginative exploration. Which object would you withdraw first? Does the good out-weigh the bad, or is harm something that cannot be prevented? Use one of these two items as the starting point of your poem and move towards the other in conclusion. It is up to you whether you will begin with the healing or harmful thing. Lastly, the hidden objects may be either real or abstract.
Thursday 14 March 2013
Reasons to be cheerful #r2bc
Although I'm still quite ill
And my depression isn't gone
I've many reasons to be cheerful
This is list is surprisingly long
I'm thankful for my husband
For all the support he gives
Even when we're arguing
Because I'm tricky to live with
I'm thankful for my daughter
For understanding about me
Although it can curtail her
She stays pretty happy
I'm thankful for my friends
Who keep walking alongside
They must wish I'd pull it together
Or go away and hide
I'm thankful for the sunshine
Bringing warmth to us today
For the newly growing garden
And the fun of outside play
I'm thankful for God's company
Through all life's ups and downs
Knowing I'm never really alone
Helps me smile instead of frown
Xxxxx
Linked up at reasons to be cheerful.
Wednesday 13 March 2013
My one big mistake
I made but one mistake in life
To be careful with my hugs
Xxx
It was early in my life
That I learned to protect myself
To not let anyone close
I'd just let them see enough
I kept them at arms length
Never close enough to know
All that was inside me
Or where sometimes I would go
I'd shake hands or wave hello
Hugs were for others to share
I'd watch them and wonder why
They'd be so close without a care
That pattern was soon entrenched
A mistake I held onto tight
Although I didn't know it then
In the long and lonely nights
In being so over careful
I never allowed love in
Those hugs were gifts to enjoy
Not something threatening
Xxxxxx
Three word Wednesday provided mistake, hug and careful. The first two line poem came to mind immediately but I decided it was cheating to write something so short, so I went away and produced the rest.
Gender equality
I'm no feminist
It's not an issue for me
I just want
Equality
Women and men
Are basically the same
On everything
Important
I've spent my life
Working alongside men
With no obvious
Prejudice
I know I've been lucky
That many others aren't
But it's also
Changing
I'm the lucky generation
Enjoying rewards of feminists
I just hope things
Keep improving
So I do my bit
Even though this isn't much
I keep demanding
Equality
Xxx
I haven't written anything for international women's day, mostly because I find it insulting that we need one day a year - why can't we all celebrate everyone equally all year long? But today poets United challenged us to write about women, so this is my take.
Stealing the sun
Peruse the sketch
Upon your screen
My tiny sapling
In March grows green
With no snowberry
Or thorns to protect it
It uses adaptations
To grow tall and fit
Although in shallow earth
In an indigo pot
It's happy as in a meadow
Avoiding ivy knots
As it becomes elder
Tawny twigs will grow
Clustered on the fence
Shunning any shadow
One day I'll see that
It's now stout-stemmed
That in stealing the sun
It's twisted at the end
But no bergamot fruit
Will grow on my tree
Through zigzag stems
Apples will be ready to leave
Upon that day
I patiently wait
For that apple crop
In their sun sweet state
Xxxxx
Linked up at real toads where we were challenged to write a poem with words from The Book of Wild Flowers (National Geographic Society, 1924) from which the photo came.
Waltzing Words
Would you like
To dance with
Me right now
To this waltz?
I've been here
Watching you
Wondering
Who you are
Please say yes
We can dance
All night long
If you like
After that
Perhaps we
Could have a
Moonlit walk
I know that
I would like
To marry
But no rush
Time will pass
I will wait
For your heart
To meet mine
Fall in love
So that we'll
Always dance
Together
When old we
Will dance still
Thinking of
This night here
Would you like
To dance with
Me right now
To this waltz?
Xxxxx
Poetry jam challenged us to write a poem inspired by dance. This poem was my childhood dream. I've never waltzed with Mike I'm a ballroom but we waltz through life together.
Zansetsu
Pure white carpet
Perfect when newly laid
Brightens winter day
Xxx
Dirty slushy mess
Perfection defrosted
Time for clear up
Xxxxxx
Linked up at carpe diem
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Awaiting summer impatiently
It's spring, apparently
But it's not here yet really
Being only March and rather snowy
There's very little greenery
Daffodil bulbs are sprouting
New leaf shoots are budding
But underground is all the growing
So nothing's really showing
Whilst counting the next few weeks
Waiting impatiently on summer heat
And blooms full of scent so sweet
I enjoy these flowers, bunched so neat
Xxxxx
Linked up at theme Thursday
Who has the monopoly?
"Let's play monopoly"
Comes the rallying cry
Everyone gathers round the table
Ready to win (or die)
It starts off pretty friendly
Just some groping for the car
Eventually everyone has their piece
No one had the iron bar
Roads are bought quite quickly
Some are transferred between
Houses are built around the place
Who'll win remains to be seen
Suddenly it turns brutal
Two players left at the board
Both determined to win, until...
They land somewhere they can't afford
Xxxxx
Linked up at three word Wednesday
Wave goodbye
It's time to leave
Until tomorrow
Just one more kiss
I really must go
But it's been so nice
Don't leave so soon
I'll miss you when you go
Stay, there's room
No, I have to leave
But I'll be back quick
Don't ask so much
You know I can't stick
But here I'm stuck
Whilst you come and go
It's so frustrating
Do you even try to know?
Do you even try to feel
What it's like to keep on?
Going here and there
You think it's all fun
You waves are the kings
Going as you please
Leaving us behind
There'll be no reprieve
I give up, you won't change
You pebbles so stubborn
This is why it won't work
It causes us all frustration
Wave goodbye then
Don't hesitate
Bye my pebble
Thanks for the date
xxxxxx
A poem inspired by the image and linked up at Magpie Tales.
One million Syrian refugees @tearfund
What a number
Nothing to celebrate
Too many people
With an uncertain fate
One million people
Men, women, children
Left their homes
Taken nothing with them
Their country in turmoil
Driven from their homes
Left Syria behind
Now Jordan's where they roam
No water
No heating
No food
No medical care
No money
No security
No hope
Does anyone care?
Situation getting worse
Each and every day
You can make a difference
There is an easy way
Pray for all these people
That their country comes to peace
That they find somewhere to live
And each day have enough to eat
Give money if you can
To aid agencies on the ground
Tearfund needs your help
They'll fairly share it around
I can't believe one million
People have no home
We need to act to help them
I'm off now to pick up the phone
Xxxxxx
This poem is written in response to the horrific news that the Syrian refugee crisis has developed much quicker than expected. Three months before it was anticipated there are one million registered refugees according to the UNHCR.
Please help in any way you can:
Pray
Give online
Give by phone 0845 355 8355
Share this poem online
Tell your friends about the crisis
Monday 11 March 2013
Camellia
Climbing castle walls
Perfumed decorations
Gifts for a princess
Xxx
Bridal bouquet
Hope for future springs
Sweet scent of love
Xxx
Graveside beauty
Grown from heartache's tears
Love's reminder
Xxxxxx
Linked up at carpe diem
Lines of conversation
Hello
Can you hear me?
Yes
How can I help?
I was just feeling lonely
Just wanted to reach out
I'm always here waiting
Why did you leave it so long?
I don't know really
You just seemed so, so....
Far away?
Yes
But I'm not, you know
I'm always here for you
Are you? Always?
Even when it's been ages?
Yes, always, I'm waiting for you
It's so great to hear from you
Ditto
What happens now?
Whatever you want
Do you want to ask me anything?
Not really, it's just great to speak
To know you're still there
OK
OK
Bye then
Bye
Speak soon
Xxxxx
This is inspired by the photo taken by bifocal univision.
Sunday 10 March 2013
Kitten all grown up
He thinks he's all grown up now
That he can leave home anytime
He doesn't realise he's tiny
He thinks outside he will be fine
After some exploring
He comes back home to us
Curls up in big cats comfy bed
Doesn't think it through enough
Xxxxx
Yes, Tommy had decided that he's all grown up now. He far to confidently went outside and explored the back garden; luckily he realised it was a good idea to come home. But then before we knew it he was curled up in Sid's bed asleep; he's lucky Sid was upstairs at the time and never saw him there. I'm a nervous wreck looking after my far too confident kitten.
Fixer upper
It's a fixer upper
Needs a new body really
But if you look through the window
You can see fearsome potential
Reserves are limited
Outsiders will partly finance
But I've written to some debtors
Hoping they'll pay away
There'll be some painting sprees
If you want to get intimately acquainted
But once it's all completed
I'd love you to come be my joint user
Xxxxxx
Linked up at The Sunday Whirl where the words which inspired the poem were provided.
Uraraka
Cherry blossom
Blue tits seeking snacks
Tranquility
Tranquil waters
Iridescent hues
Smooth as blown glass
Glass pebbles thrown
Skim, bounce then dive home
Into tranquil depths
Depths of peacefulness
Silently shake branches
Of cherry blossom
Xxxxx
Linked up at carpe diem.
Cross
Shivers are rising
I can't control them
Pray away anger
Pray away anger
Receive calm tranquility
Leave it at the cross
Leave it at the cross
Never sleep on arguments
Make your peace again
Make your peace again
Put all crosses away
Except the real one
Xxxxxxxxxx
This poem is in response to the prompt I've provided at one single impression.
This river
This river
With its ebbs and flows
Office
Factory
Playground
This river
Looks peaceful on surface
Invisible
Snapping
Crocs
This river
Busy on a Sunday
Watch
For
Eddies
This river
Sometimes threatening
Little
Flood
Warning
This river
Older than time
Aboriginals
Tell
Stories
This river
Dirty with pollution
Swimmers
At own
Risk
This river
Life blood of community
Must
Look
After
Xxxxxxx
This poem is inspired by the photograph provided at sepia Saturday.
Kiji
Flapping of plumage
Desperately needing release
Humane yet sad
(A memory of my dad having to put a peasant out of its misery after being hit by a car.)
Xxx
Pecking around
Amongst the meadow grass
Hiding from guns
Xxx
Dull brown hens
Sitting patiently hatching
Colourful cocks
Xxx
Christmas dinner
Full of other poultry
Really tasty lunch
Xxxxx
Linked up at carpe diem
At the crossroads
I'm standing at the crossroads
No idea which way to go
Both ways seem quite scary
But I can't go back, oh no
Which option do I choose?
Which way do I roam?
Over here is ordinary
But there is so unknown
If only there was a guidebook
A guarantee of what comes next
Then the choices would be easy
I'd know where to direct my steps
Instead I'll have to take risk
Unsure of what's to be done
I'll take the route that feels most right
And deal with whatever comes
Xxxxx
Linked up at carry on Tuesday
Mum: best job in the world
I might get exhausted
I might shout some days
But it's worth all the aggro
To have you here today
To be woken each morning
To be chef of all meals
Is sometimes quite boring
But there's upsides to the deal
There are kisses and cuddles
Notes of all sorts
Seeing you develop
Just like you ought
I never imagined
How great this job would be
It's the best in the world
Because you're everything to me