Tear

I have recently been inspired by the traditional 'haiku'- (a small Japanese poem consisting of three lines and usually, seventeen syllables.) The beauty lies in its ability to capture an intensely human moment, mood or insight with a certain clarity and poignancy that leaves one with a lasting impression. In Japan, Basho is one of the best loved poets, but I find some contemporary poets of haiku just as inspiring. Below, are a few of my favourites...

campfire extinguished
the woman washing dishes
in a pan of stars
(Raymond Roseliep)

dozing on horseback
smoke from the tea-fires
drifts to the moon
(Basho)

the old pond:
a frog jumps in
the sound of water
(Basho)

between the rocks
water the ocean
didn't take back
(Gary Hotham)

Reading Japanese poetry inspired the following poem:

Tear

A single tear
Tracks its path
Down her cheek
A stray tell
Non discreet
But hidden from most
Who is to know the burden of that single tear
and where it came from?

Lily Basnet