Summer haiku

(Nimue)

I like haiku as a form – both in terms of the focus and the seasonal aspect. Trying to capture a moment in so few words creates interesting challenges and possibilities. Two are stronger on the seasonal side than the others, but we don’t have the kinds of indicators Japanese poets use, which makes it harder.

These haiku came out of a recent poetry class. Two come from gazing out of the window, two from sitting out.

Summer rain ends

Fat droplet hangs shimmering

Soon to disappear

Bead eye stares challenge

Head tilt beak bright questioning

The absence of seed.

Spring’s first pipistrelle

Flits ungainly elegance

Moth hungry tango

Tremulous fast flight

Only a shape against sky

Maybe kingfisher.