thinkALONG! 6 February

A TUESDAY FEATURE

hosts: Muskaan Ahuja, Lakshmi Iyer

guest editor: an'ya

Please note: 

Only the unpublished poems (that are never published on any social media platform/journals/anthologies) posted here for each prompt will be considered for Triveni Haikai India's monthly journal -- haikuKATHA, each month.

Poets are requested to post poems (haiku/senryu) that adhere to the prompts/exercises given.

Only 1 poem to be posted in 24 hours. Total 2 poems per poet are allowed each week (numbered 1,2). So, revise your poems till 'words obey your call'.

If a poet wants feedback, then the poet must mention 'feedback welcome' below each poem that is being posted.

Responses are usually a mixture of grain and chaff. The poet has to be discerning about what to take for the final version of the poem or the unedited version will be picked up for the journal.

The final version should be on top of the original version for selection.

Poetry is a serious business. Give you best attempt to feature in haikuKATHA !!

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Here is a haiku that embodies Orville Reddenbocker's quote:

“A good idea is not enough, execution is key.”

Not only is the content of this haiku striking in its natural simplicity and poetic rhythm, but in addition, the execution of that content is key.

What makes this an exceptionally stellar haiku is that the kigo "autumn moonlight" deepens the “aha” moment via the last line with the words "in solitude." The opossum, or "possum,” as it’s called in North America, is  a nocturnal creature that epitomizes solitude insofar as the definition: "remoteness from habitations, as of a time or place; and the absence of

human activity".

Luckily, the poet must have been up late at night and able to observe this animal. To be a part of its solitude and yet be adept enough not to insert herself into the haiku, is as pure as a haiku can be. In addition, the skillful use of "m" and “o” sounds with the words "autumn, moonlight, possum, and solitude" is a real bonus:

autumn moonlight

a possum walks the fence

in solitude

--- larisa Worthington

Haiku Prompt: Be inspired to write your own haiku that represents an "aha" moment of solitude that you've shared with something in nature without placing yourself directly in the haiku. If possible, see if you can also use some kind of repeating sounds.