Simple
Posted by Rob Kistner | Filed under Haiku, Spoken Word
This is my post for the Sunday Sribblings, May 27th prompt: “simple”.
Author’s note: Immediately upon reading this prompt, haiku flashed to mind — simple, beautiful. I have therefore created a suite of seven haiku’s that each resonated in some way for me around the word simple. I also recorded myself reading each. Go to bottom of post to hear these “spoken word” pieces.
Simple
(suite of seven haiku’s)
•
haiku 1
what is happiness
wise man offers this reply
one breath then the next
____________________
haiku 2
what we call something
others do without effort
that we’ve yet to try
____________________
haiku 3
lone leaf on clear pool
turns in gentle summer breeze
song bird softly sings
____________________
haiku 4
the minds of others
who do not see things our way
obviously fools
____________________
haiku 5
light grey cotton shorts
tan belt, white oxford cloth shirt
tan sandals, no socks
____________________
haiku 6
lifting you from bed
knowing that you cannot walk
taking you to sun
____________________
haiku 7
starts with letter S
made up of two syllables
means easy, or plain
…
To hear poem read by author, click here
Rob Kistner © 2007
May 24th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
You have a wonderful voice — I really enjoyed hearing you read these beautiful haiku. I read and enjoyed them too! Each one paints a perfect moment and feeling. Number 1 is the ultimate zen! Number 2 is a good reminder about effort. Number 3 is such a sweet moment of nature. Number 4 made me smile because I’m guilty of doing this once in a while (especially re: politics) before I catch myself! Number 5 is perfect observation — I actually had to look down to remember what I was wearing today! Number 6 brought tears to my eyes. And number 7 is such a perfectly “simple” haiku.
May 24th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Clare -
Thank you! I enjoy doing the “spoken word” recordings.
This prompt was great fun.
Haiku are addictive once you start writing them.
May 24th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
No.4
Love the narrow arrogance.
Nice contrast to No.2’s optimism…
May 25th, 2007 at 7:03 am
Lovely haikus.
This is a form of poetry I am particularly fond of, even if I find the syllables counting in English a little daunting…
But I like the challenge of the story in only just a few words (and one deep breath).
Nathalie
May 25th, 2007 at 8:53 am
Inconsequential -
No. 4 has a universality to it. It is about every person, at one time or another.
No. 2 has a bit of inflated ego mixed in with the optimism.
Glad you stopped by. Visit again.
May 25th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Nathalie -
Thank you!
in just a few words
together with a deep breath
stories can be told
Nice little haiku you have in your comment, Nathalie!
A variation might be this.
in just a few words
and with a very deep breath
much truth can be told
Haiku is a fun, and challenging poetic form.
May 25th, 2007 at 10:45 am
You rock, pops! I enjoy your recorded poetry. I’m thinking you could have a career as an audio book reader.
May 25th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Jus -
Though I’ve never pursued that — I’d enjoy it!
Get me connected.
May 25th, 2007 at 11:28 am
So soothing to listen to your words as I read along. Funny how a haiku can lift and stretch the perspective within such a small space. Thanks!
May 25th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Matthew -
I am glad you enjoyed your read!
Haiku poetry is a special kind of magic.
May 25th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Rob, I always love stopping by to see what you’ve come up with and you never disappoint. Wonderful.
May 25th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Janie -
Thank you! I’m humbled.
I appreciate your visiting — always welcome…
May 26th, 2007 at 1:47 am
I enjoyed your snapshots of simplicity!
May 26th, 2007 at 2:17 am
Various shades are depicted in this series of haikus. Those resonated with me.
I liked listening to your voice too.
Thanks.
May 26th, 2007 at 5:19 am
That’s a lovely set of haiku. A wonderful form for this particular prompt.
May 26th, 2007 at 6:37 am
So many different ’simples’ - I enjoyed the journey through them all (both reading and listening). No.2 is clever and very perceptive, as is 4; 6 particularly touched my heart and 5 re-evoked my initial response to this prompt, which was ‘clothing ourselves in simplicity’ - light colours and fabrics in simple forms, which is what I prefer when I am writing or painting. 3 is a lovely ’snapshot’ haiku, and 1 and 7 frame the sequence well. I enjoyed all this!
May 26th, 2007 at 6:49 am
You have a very good reading voice. I especially liked #1. Have you read any of Ayya Khema’s books? She was a German Buddhist nun living in Sri Lanka. That haiku reminded me of her noble writings.
May 26th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Oh, just lovely- all of them. I can’t pick a favorite- but I do love hearing you read them…
May 26th, 2007 at 7:42 am
I love haiku, and these are all lovely. I wrote one about May on my blog a few days ago, but went in an entirely different direction for this week’s prompt. I think I like #4 the best–so true
May 26th, 2007 at 8:56 am
Juliet -
Thank you!
I’m glad.
May 26th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Gautami -
That pleases me!
May 26th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Catherine -
Thank you!
This prompt immediately drew me to this simple and lovely form.
May 26th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Rose -
I appreciate your enthusiasm — thank you!
It was a lovely spring day, so I sat on my patio, listening to the stream babble, and the breeze rustle in the old growth — and let my mind open. These are what appeared.
It was a wonderful day! I’m pleased it touched you as well.
May 26th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Beaman -
Thank you for the compliment!
I had not discovered Ayya Khema, but your inquiry prompted me to explore.
I found a talk she did in Santa Fe, New Mexico in April of 1992. She discussed the essence of Metta, which she explained was love. It was most engaging and inspiring. I will be reading more of Ayya.
I appreciate your nudge, my friend!
May 26th, 2007 at 9:31 am
Regina -
Thank you — you are kind!
I’m pleased they carried equal weight with you. They are each a bit different — so maybe they can each be your favorite?
May 26th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Sognatrice -
Thank you for your kind words!
Yes, #4 is a universal guilt, we each carry on occasion.
I love this haiku below that you have written, and which I share here. You’ve offered a wonderful insight to the month of May.
As your name suggests
Possibilities abound
Nothing definite
Bravo Sognatrice!
May 26th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Simple, pure and beautiful! I especially liked #1 and #4.
May 26th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Kamsin -
Thank you for your very kind words!
May 27th, 2007 at 8:25 am
Enjoyable haiku. While all strike a chord, I adore #2. And #6 is beautiful. Have you seen the One Deep Breath site? (www.onebreathpoetry.blogspot.com) I think you would enjoy it. I found it several weeks ago.
May 27th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Patois -
Thank you!
I am very glad you enjoyed the work, and understand your two favorites. I enjoyed writing them all, and making the spoken word recording.
I just posted a new suite of four haiku, which includes a spoken word recording. It is called Seasons.
One Deep Breath — yes, I know the site. I have a link there to my composite Dreams Drift Through Reason, which includes two haiku and a piece of my abstract art.
May 28th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Your early entry inspired mine…beautiful! Thank you!
May 28th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
These are great, and I especially loved #1.
May 28th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Tammy -
Thank you!
You are most welcome. I liked the piece you posted for “Simple”.
May 28th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Boliyou -
Thank you — I’m glad #1 reached you.