Poetry Friday: Haiku for Healing
Haiku of the Week
This week, I was inspired by Mary Lee Hahn’s call for Haiku for Healing. I’ve been thinking about that a lot as I write my daily haiku. You’ll probably see a few more of these from me as we plow through the rest of the year (and next few years).
they hold too tight—
forgetting there’s beauty
in letting go
Photo Taken: October 5, 2024 at United States Botanic Garden
Haiku Written: November 14, 2024
Poem as Picture Book
Starlight Symphony
By Buffy Silverman
Millbrook Press, 2024
This 264-word poem imagines the evening animals as musical instruments.
Poetry Connections
- Rhyming
- Onomatopoeia
- Figurative language
- Alliteration
- Assonance
- Consonance
Links
Grow
This week, I’ve been still working on giving myself grace. I’m still working on my works-in-progress, but I’m trying to make reasonable expectations/goals for the week.
Next Week
I’ll be at NCTE next week, so I’ll catch everyone when I get back. I’m looking forward to Poetry Friday IN PERSON at NCTE next Friday.
22 Comments
Tracey Kiff-Judson
Marcie, a gentle reminder to try to let go! Thank you. Good luck with your NCTE presentations! I wish I could be there to enjoy them. I am certain you will be fabulous!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Tracey! It was a great trip!
Linda Mitchell
A lovely post…I just popped over to Mary Lee’s blog to see her invitation. It’s comforting to be in the presence of friends that respond with beauty. Your haiku for today gets to a deeper meaning that resonates with me. That letting go is where the art happens…allowing oneself to let go? That’s the challenge. Beautifully written.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Linda!
Rose Cappelli
Ah…the power and beauty of letting go. Have a wonderful time at NCTE. You’ll be busy!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
It was so fabulous!
Irene Latham
So lovely, Marcie. So much of life is letting go, isn’t it? Can’t wait to see you at NCTE! xo
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
It was so great to see you!
PATRICIA FRANZ
I’m mining your message for hope, Marcie. I’m so glad you have NCTE to enjoy (and distract). Rilke would tell us to embrace this time — maybe we don’t just let go; maybe we stay present and yes, find the beauty that heals. xoxo
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Staying present–such an important reminder.
Linda Baie
I hope you “let go” and have a marvelous time with everyone at NCTE, Marcie. Your poem is like a shout today!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Linda!
Karen Edmisten
So beautiful, as always, Marcie! Enjoy NCTE!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I’m still catching up. It was fabulous!
jama
Appreciate the beautiful wisdom in your haiku. Much to ponder . . . Enjoy your time at NCTE next week!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Jama! It was fabulous. Still playing catch up…
Jone Rush MacCulloch
Marcie, your photo and haiku complement one another. It’s important to remmber the power of letting go.
Enjoy NCTE!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you! It was wonderful!
Buffy Silverman
Oh the beauty (and challenge!) of letting go–thanks for the beautiful haiku and photo, and for highlighting STARLIGHT SYMPHONY!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
My pleasure! I love your book. I also saw Kirsten Larson at NCTE and told her how much I enjoyed your podcast episode with her.
Mary Lee
Thanks for joining #haikuforhealing2024 (let’s add the 2024 to make the hashtag more findable on IG)! I hope to see you at NCTE!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Yes to the hashtag going forward!