Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Asia (02/26/09)
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TITLE: Haikus for the King | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Payne
03/01/09 -
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Word of God moves over all
brings life from nothing
Born in humbleness
a lamb pure and innocent
blood-stained sacrifice
A Seed dropped to earth
to grow and flourish, then die
so all might have life
Manna from heaven
nourishing, broken and shared
Bread of Life given
Let down your bucket
draw from his well sweet water
never thirst again
Illuminating
radiance chases away
shadows of darkness
The touch of a hand
blesses, forgives, heals, accepts
Redeemer touch me
The Shepherd’s voice calls
calls to his wandering sheep
come home where you’re safe
A Father waiting
reaches out with loving arms
a lost child comes home
A priceless Pearl giv’n
for love of the entire world
worthy of all my life
King most glorious
Son of God and Lord of Lords
humbly washed our feet
Mocked, derided, scorned
beaten and hung on a cross
by his stripes we’re healed
The sun rises up
an empty tomb discovered
death has been conquered
Note: Haiku is a form of tanka, a type of poetry practiced in the Japanese court during the 9th through the 12th centuries. It is characterized by three lines of 17 syllables, 5-7-5. Traditional Japanese haikus do not have titles and do not use metaphors or similes. Haiku is about simplicity, paring down the excess to reveal truth.
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They are most often about a single moment and observation connecting us to nature, the seasons and life. I like the definition "one breath poetry" It truly is an art.
By the way - You use several metaphors here - Pearl, Lamb, Seed, Bread, Shepherd/sheep etc.
Aside from all the technical stuff, what you have written here is heartfelt and meaningful.
I admire you for writing a form of poetry that comes from another culture (if I'm not making an unfair assumption there...) I think it is extremely difficult to do well, but this is beautiful.