10 years ago, I wrote my first songs and poems. They were angsty. Minor chord heavy. And a real bummer to hear. Thanks, Mom and Dad for enduring my lamenting concerts in our living room. Don’t worry, I’m not about to expose you to the inner world of Reliant-K-head-banging-adolescent Camille. But I will let you in on a rewarding practice of writing haiku about the nature of God (both His creation and His character).
I think the forced brevity of poetic structure helped beat the foreboding dark cloud ahead. You can thank God for that.
Also, a BIG thanks goes to a brilliant poet friend of mine who appreciates and contributes well-constructed literature and poetry (exhibit A). She imparted the joy found in 17 syllables (exhibit B), and I was forever hooked. Thus, haiku became a spiritual practice of reflection, a remembrance to honor nature, and a lens to consider God’s nature revealed through his design.
Haiku 101, er, 5-7-5.
So here’s the quick haiku lesson breakdown: the structure consists of three lines, with the first and last lines having 5 moras, and the middle line having 7. A mora is a sound unit much like a syllable but not identical to it. Since the moras do not translate well into English, it has been adapted to where syllables are used as mora (Poets.org, Haiku: Poetic Form).
With just a few words, you can build a place of contemplation on a page. Give it a try. It could be the mindful practice of 5 minutes to connect with a moment fully. It could be the love note your father needs to hear. Or it could be the very gesture of delight you find in the presence of God. Hope you enjoy a few of my own, and I hope you comment below with your 17 syllables.
For the Delicately Deliberate
Wake up the wonder //
Walking on sand or water //
He invites you—walk
Walking among you //
On stoney paths I join you //
Then you believe me
Smothered white, your skies //
Golden light forgotten, wake up! //
Beyond the clouds—SUN!
Lines drawn in the sand //
Calligraphy of His hand //
Division no more
Kiss the sky, He said //
My love for you is present //
Heaven’s kissing back
Petals développé //
Revealing the bloom, your self //
Beauty—His delight
Broken fish, torn loaves //
Wild horse bridled, bit in mouth //
Submitted power
Treasure of heaven //
His nature is adventure //
Limits not given
Confidence planted //
By His stream, leaves always grow //
Green, never failing
Contemplate His face //
Glory unveiled, you carry //
The Son’s light, transformed
Hear the steady stream //
His voice revives with fresh bread //
From His mouth, lungs breathe
From within, His winds //
Come billowing, surrounding //
You, His dwelling place
17 syllables, anyone?
Featured image by Alissa Cucjen.
2 comments
Like living water//
Your words His breath from Heaven//
Giving soul a drink.
How’d I do? 😉 Love your poetry. Thank you for sharing this piece of you with us!
Are you kidding me?! I’m putting your haiku on my water bottle. Recently, I bought a set of refrigerator word magnets, and I’m enjoying the creative boundaries of using what’s on the frig to write something. Here’s to making creative canvases out of our everyday-ness. Thanks again for commenting and sharing your 17.