Saturday, September 21, 2013

haiku Challenge

These are the poems I've written for #haikuChallenge. The word of the day must be incorporated into the haiku.
You can find my other haiku
here:

Consider -- Sep 25
consider daisies ~ loves you or she loves you not ~ spring or autumn

Pleasure -- Sep 24
quiet autumn morn ~ breeze wafts over tangled limbs ~ while she pleasures me

Eager -- Sep 23
eager renewal ~ battling through a shroud of rain ~ vernal equinox

Style -- Sep 22
style is subjective ~ green mountain or snow white ~ lovely in either

Tomorrow -- Sep 21
tomorrow ~ unfolds in your mouth ~ labial flower
it takes much patience ~ to wait until tomorrow ~ my hair on the floor
revel in today ~ tomorrow is far away ~ lost in hazy mist 

Force -- Sep 20
she ignored him ~ a winter wind blew in ~ he forced a smile
shortage of water ~ forces an early harvest ~ birds reaping insects

Shop -- Sep 19
the harvest moon helps ~ get the crops in --- and you can ~ shop until you drop

Proud -- Sep 18
sharing your passions ~ a harvest of altruism ~ I'm so proud of you

Rip -- Sep 16
drowning ~ in a sea of stars ~ rip tide

Good -- Sep 15
blowing fart sounds ~ on a good baby's belly ~ delighted giggles

Lake -- Sep 14
mirrored lake ~ my reflection ~ takes a dip
mirrored water ~ mountains ~ dive into the lake

Thousand -- Sep 13
summer slowly fades ~ into softer days --- thousands ~ of suns light the night

Hungry -- Sep 10
tail twitching ~ the hungry cat stalked ~ a blood moon

Fish -- Sep 9
quiet garden pond ~ goldfish lazily swimming ~ practicing tai chi

Thoughtful -- Sep 7
thoughtful reminder ~ writing a twitter hashtag ~ can set off fireworks

Joy -- Sep 6
life became joyful ~ when she sauntered by --- happy ~ makes my heart blossom

Call -- Sep 5
the call of the wild ~ roaring like a waterfall ~ quiet as a mouse

Rent -- Sep 1
September morning ~ living in this hothouse ~ rent free

Stop -- Aug 31
in clear deep water ~ your fading reflection ~ stop the memories

Infect -- Aug 30
he was infected --- ~ an overwhelming desire ~ for cherry cheesecake

Wicked -- Aug 29
Halloween ahead ~ something wicked this way comes ~ witches and black cats!

Don't -- Aug 28
a beach umbrella ~ don't forget sunscreen lotion ~ cancer is a bitch

Private -- Aug 27
warm summer breezes ~ naked with you --- whispering ~ our private longings

Salt -- Aug 26
salt on a sunburn ~ the pain of her parting --- no ~ solace for the soul

Fog -- Aug 24
creeping fog ~ my memory ~ as I age

Bare -- Aug 23
bare bones ~ scarcity stalks ~ a withered moor
she looked back at me ~ and wagged her bare bottom ~ come hither wiggle

Climb -- Aug 22
ant climbs Mount Fuji ~ overcoming obstacles ~ defines character

Rage -- Aug 21
the rage in my soul ~ lays a levy on my bliss ~ I can't bare the load

Three -- Aug 20
ninety six degrees ~ at three in the afternoon ~ midsummer cool spell

Warm -- Aug 19
her warm velvet depths ~ drew him unrelentingly ~ --- billowing passion

Fever -- Aug 18
young women in shorts ~ afternoons in the sunshine ~ spring fever symptoms

Crowd -- Aug 17
the crowd wanted blood ~ the prizefighters knew it well ~ thin mist descended

Ride -- Aug 16
Texas thunderstorm ~ Pecos Bill rides a whirlwind ~ so the legend goes

Not -- Aug 15
a pine knot is not ~ a knotty problem --- 'gnarly' ~ said the valley girl

Justice -- Aug 14
naked appetite ~ quenched by a sudden shower ~ sexual justice
justice of the peace ~ married us for twenty bucks ~ got what we paid for

Scared -- Aug 13
the past rules her life ~ scared of making more mistakes ~ she reaps the same crops

Late -- Aug 12
the march hare was late ~ for an important date ~ Alice met the queen

Put -- Aug 11
my faded blanket / warms the new baby --- put the / gifts under the tree
 
Much -- Aug 10
much of midsummer ~ 'neath an air conditioner ~ joy of a cool breeze
 
About -- Aug 9
destiny's sharp teeth ~ nibbled at my fate --- forget ~ about the lotus
 
Original -- Aug 8
Eve tempted Adam ~ the original sinners ~ choices --- sow and reap
evil incarnate ~ the original portrait ~ hid in the attic
 
Make -- Aug 7
coolly virginal ~ exquisitely inviting ~ make me rapacious
 
Got -- Aug 6
the early bird ~ got the worm --- ~ I slept in
 
Always -- Aug 3
roar of a lion ~ thru eve's heat shimmered thorn trees ~ always Africa
 
Teach -- Aug 1
teach me how to give ~ love's sweet ruin --- after all ~ bare feet crush sand hearts

Journey -- Jul 28
the afternoon heat ~ pilgrim's journey delayed --- cool ~ shade is beckoning

Wonder -- Jul 27
I wonder at the ~ beauty of plum trees in bloom ~ her face in repose

Old Songs -- Jul 26
courtly lovers sing ~ troubadours old songs --- spooning ~ by a winter's fire

Left -- Jul 25
You left your voice ~ the sexy instrument that ~ makes my loins ache

Mad -- Jul 24
mad as the hatter ~ the red queen demanded that ~ Alice toe the line

Late -- Jul 23
single lost balloon ~ floats hither and yon --- late spring ~ winds confuse our course

Blood -- Jul 22
the warm blood coursing ~ I want --- hungry Dracula ~ in a clueless crowd

Unity -- Jul 21
summer vacation ~ our unity of purpose ~ fun under the sun

Carry -- Jul 20
she carries his heart ~ carelessly --- kitten toying ~ with a fledgling bird

Need -- Jul 19
I need you ~ you allow me ~ to need you

Carry -- Jul 17
she carries passion ~ in the reflecting pool that ~ is her limpid eyes

Look -- Jul 16
beautiful woman ~ brief glimpse of a lovely breast ~ look, then double take
temperature break ~ in the middle of July ~ look at all the smiles

Believe -- Jul 13
believe in magic ~ best to have faith in yourself ~ you are a wizard

Close -- Jul 12
blooms become heat waves ~ gone but never forgotten ~ close the book on spring

Pull -- Jul 3
the push-me pull-you ~ makes little forward progress --- weeding the garden

Promise -- Jul 2
the promise of rain ~ soaks parched earth --- eager face raised ~ to liquid heaven

Puny -- Jul 1
puny, timid frog ~ huddles 'neath a rose petal ~ fragrant sun shelter
their puny efforts ~ at reconciliation ~ like swimming upstream

Watch -- Jun 28
watch the days shorten ~ it gets hotter with less breeze ~ a stilled wind chime

Perfect -- Jun 27
her perfect passion ~ lies in flight --- and exhausted ~ from the exodus

Authority -- Jun 25
his authority ~ starts and ends at the gangplank ~ captain of his fate

Cover -- Jun 24
cold, dormant hillsides ~ wait for spring sun --- covered by ~ blankets of clover

Better -- Jun 23
better the devil ~ you know --- Lucifer curls up ~ in my lap and purrs

Please -- Jun 22
please the one you love ~ the rewards are evident ~ warmth of spring sunbeams

Attitude -- Jun 21
runt of the litter ~ believes herself a lioness ~ attitude is all

Check -- Jun 20
lazy day checkmarks ~ iced tea and book on a porch ~ to battle the heat
skinny dipping pond ~ no self consciousness allowed ~ check sizes shyly

Life -- Jun 19
life is here, with you ~ summer's heat, or winter's cold ~ your arms invite me

Ever -- Jun 18
ever or never ~ time determines which --- we are ~ kites in gusty winds

Rest -- Jun 17
war dead rest ~ quietly awaiting ~ the bugle's call
their love is real ~ the rest of his thinking is ~ murky intentions
still forest at dawn ~ rest broken by the echo ~ hungry woodpecker

Ready -- Jun 16
ready for the World Cup ~ Spurs have beat the Heat --- summer ~ begins on high notes

Sing -- Jun 15
echo of my youth ~ 'we sing a song of sixpence' ~ plays ad nauseum

Tremendous -- Jun 14
penning poetry ~ like navigating sea fog ~ tremendous challenge

Battle -- Jun 13
crows march back and forth ~ near the dying vole --- battle ~ of fear and hunger

Force -- Jun 12
like a force of will ~ the piano's hammers fell ~ music scented breeze

Hope -- Jun 11
hope is a good thing ~ never allow despair to ~ become your bugbear
hope for a nibble ~ bamboo pole dips in still pond ~ long, slow summer day

Delight -- Jun 10
cool May thunderstorms ~ turn into June heat lightning ~ delights of late spring

Chance -- Jun 9
chance favors the brave ~ a vole in the land of wolves ~ hazards the gauntlet

Control -- Jun 4
there is no control ~ where destiny is concerned ~ a kite in the wind

Favor -- Jun 3
I'm in favor ~ of the sunny flavor of ~ strawberry ice cream
favored by haunting ~ ghosts --- an autumn weariness ~ replaced spring rainbows

Think -- Jun 2
hunter's moon, late fall ~ with you and the Milky Way ~ I think of that night

Lose -- Jun 1
gain the summer heat ~ and lose spring's fresh green --- gone in ~ dusty shimmering

Relax -- May 31
relax on the porch ~ listen to Mockingbirds feud ~ --- melodically

Real -- May 30
spring evening was real ~ warmth of the day lingering ~ nightingale sings joy

Remember -- May 29
remembering snow ~ in the heat of late spring --- sad ~ closing the fireplace

Huge -- May 28
turgid, quickening ~ pulse when I think of you --- huge ~ mount sheds winter snow
You are huge, she said ~ looking down at my manhood ~ I wake with a start

Available -- May 27
when it comes to her ~ my soul is available ~ traitor to my heart
a hazy spring moon ~ is available for rent ~ with optional stars

Make -- May 26
fat, sassy critters ~ making hay while the sun shines ~ lengthening spring days

Silence -- May 25
my head on your breast ~ quiet tick of your heartbeat ~ all else is silence

Even -- May 24
a light in the east ~ sun breaks on the horizon ~ even as I write

Style -- May 23
her smile was her style ~ caught his heart at first glance --- the ~ wind captures a kite

Despite -- May 22
surveying my lands ~ the spring mountain looms above ~ despite my ego

Quick -- May 21
Memorial Day ~ remembrance of broken men ~ the quick and the dead

Few -- May 20
a few white blossoms ~ cling to scrawny dogwood trees ~ spring strives to hold on

Wish -- May 19
family gathers ~ so many missing --- making ~ such childish wishes

Home -- May 18
home always meant fear ~ my father's hand, drunken rage ~ another spring storm
home ~ is the next stop ~ on my pilgrimage

Between -- May 17
between the seasons ~ a moment of ecstasy ~ parting of her lips

Worst -- May 16
the lightning flickered ~ rumbling thunder --- worst storm in ~ recent memory

Empty -- May 15
an empty hope chest ~ but filled with promise --- pupa ~ becomes butterfly

Ready -- May 14
ready for the day ~ bundled in a macintosh ~ rain rolls off my cap

Short -- May 13
I was short, fun sized ~ he was long --- sunbeams may be ~ waves or particles

Best -- May 12
you were better than ~ the best of us --- memoir of ~ spring melancholy

Delicate -- May 11
patient as grim death ~ legs touching delicate web ~ widow waits --- then springs
her delicate wings ~ flutter gently as she drinks ~ monarch of insects!

Best -- May 10
the best I can give ~ is honesty and friendship ~ all else ... soap bubbles

Fall -- May 9
with a simple glimpse ~ I fall into lying eyes ~ lost in a red tide
I believe your lies ~ and I fall into your eyes ~ focus of your guise

Low -- May 8
lights of a city ~ far in the distance glows from ~ a low sea of clouds
cow in the pasture ~ lowing for her wayward calf ~ mothers everywhere

Open -- May 7
a balmy May breeze ~ one more warm spring and summer ~ an open door beckons

Eager -- May 6
the cool of late spring ~ forebodes the heat of summer ~ eager to stop clocks

Example -- May 5
lengthening days in ~ twister alley --- example ~ of looming chaos

Happen -- May 4
we happened on deer, ~ bucks in battle; antlers locked ~ in desperation

Body -- May 3
my shadow follows ~ in the lengthening days ~ a ghostly body

Choose -- May 2
choose heaven or hell ~ no such luck with rain or sun ~ mother nature's choice
warmth of a spring sun ~ through dogwood blossoms ... we choose ~ heaven over hell

Experience -- May 1
my experience ~ should confirm ... love crumbles 'tween ~ May and December

Wonderful -- April 30
her wonderful fingers ~ touched, then gone ... April vanished ~ into May Day warmth

Sorry for the lengthy disappearance...

Possible -- Mar 25
the March of time ~ made possible by August ~ seasonal turnings

Monster -- Mar 24
the monster in me ~ cries out to be set free ~ a squirming tadpole

Ransom -- Mar 23
heart held hostage ~ the ransom paid in tears ~ spring river floods

Cripple -- Mar 22
fighting off the wolves ~ is simple, unless you're ~ old and crippled

Alarm -- Mar 21
the alarm clock puts ~ her wet nose on mine and purrs ~ no more sleep today!

Stamina -- Mar 20
my get up and go ~ got up and went ~ bye bye stamina!

Reform -- Mar 18
I need reforming ~ or re-engineering ~ I'm so bland today

Green -- Mar 17
the Emerald Isle ~ celebrates its patron saint ~ with a coat of green

Frame -- Mar 16
photograph of you ~ in a gold leafed, antique frame ~ revisit heartache

Skin -- Mar 15
Buffalo Bill ~ sewed the skins of his victims ~ long dark scary night

Result -- Mar 14
result of free will ~ mass of imploding anger ~ or it could be gas

Note -- Mar 13
he played middle C ~ begin with the perfect note ~ cool as the March wind

Plan -- Mar 12
the kamikaze ~ brutally attacked Laffey ~ her plan ... survive
no plan is foolproof ~ and this was no exception ~ move the winter north

Saw -- Mar 11
an old saw says that ~ some people feel the spring rain ~ others just get wet.
light coating of oil ~ keeps rust from my crosscut saw ~ a file keeps it sharp

Duty -- Mar 10
his duty was clear ~ and a pleasure ... her burden ~ enjoy his service
'Once a Marine...' ~ duty, honor, country, corps ~ words to live by

Well -- Mar 9
we tossed a coin ~ in the wishing well ... praying ~ for a lifelong love
Timmy's in the well ~ Lassie howls at the full moon ~ father is confused!

Bar -- Mar 8
he did the pub crawl ~ each weekend ... a well known wolf ~ in every bar

Switch -- Mar 7
My dad used a switch ~ when he didn't use a belt ~ liked an apple twig

Gamble -- Mar 6
Yogi Bear gambled ~ no need for hibernation ~ picnic baskets rule!

Code -- Mar 5
enigma captured ~ and its codes ... beginning of ~ the Nazi winter

Mask -- Mar 4
hidden behind my ~ mask of doubt ... sleeping Buddha ~ frowns in his dreams.

Train -- Mar 3
the train goes choo choo ~ little children say ooh ooh ~ sowing fields of glee
my train of thought ~ the futility of dread ~ winter storms will come

Rumor -- Mar 2
long dark tropic nights ~ war and rumors of war ~ ... haunted memories

Schedule -- Mar 1
the schedule tweaked ~ March begins with warmth but ~ the forecast is cold

Mess -- Feb 28
storm after storm ~ blankets the northeast ~ messy white sheets

Barrier -- Feb 27
early spring passions ~ barrier to harmony ~ rivers overflow

Result -- Feb 26
winter storms train ~ across the entire northeast ~ result ... disaster

Measure -- Feb 25
measure twice, cut once ~ the carpenter's mantra ~ lumber scented breeze

Morning -- Feb 24
crisp winter morning ~ frost on breath mingles with ~ steam from the mug ~ hot coffee keeps me warm ~ invigorating

Trade -- Feb 23
baseball trading cards ~ we hoped for Honus Wagner ~ summer afternoons

Wisdom -- Feb 22
wisdom requires ~ patience and serenity ~ waiting for first buds

Shift -- Feb 21
a slight shift in time ~ and winter refused to end ~ my beard grew icy

Escape -- Feb 20
saw 'The Great Escape' ~ World War Two was so much fun ~ unless you lived it!
escape the mundane ~ the world is large and lovely ~ blossoms follow snow

Offer -- Feb 19
early spring offer ~ heavy coat in the morning ~ short sleeve afternoons

Rescue -- Feb 18
the rescued kitten ~ spent two days under the bed ~ plum buds peek out
you rescued my soul ~ my heart followed eagerly ~ filled with spring joy

Faint -- Feb 17
a faint breeze ... your ~ intimate scent wafts over ~ tranquil evening

Staple -- Feb 16
he lost his mittens ~ a staple of winter play ~ mom was furious

Novice -- Feb 15
she thought he was young ~ when she took him to her bed ~ he was no novice
practice makes perfect ~ the master to his novice ~ baked gingerbread men

Cheat -- Feb 14
frigid, windy day ~ in winter ... cheat the cold with ~ heavy coat and gloves

Package -- Feb 13
on delivery ~ the package was opened ... a ~ winter narcissus

Appetite -- Feb 12
your curves excite ~ my greedy appetite  ~ long winter nights
bean soup and cheddar ~ we eat by a warming fire ~ carnal appetite

Keep -- Feb 11
ahead the beauty ~ of untouched snow ... behind us ~ life keeps littering
waiting patiently ~ spring keeps dawdling ~ aimless snowfall

Plead -- Feb 10
the kindness of spring ~ and beauty of plum blossoms ~ plead with winter sun


Five -- Feb 9
five fingers, two hands ~ know your body completely ~ fire's glow warms my face

Nature -- Feb 8
My normal nature ~ sullen and morose ... I hide ~ behind this glad mask 
nature ~ by its very nature ~ is natural

Elude -- Feb 7
reaching for the moon ~ the child cannot quite grasp ~ dreams elude the light
Sol rules the daylight ~ humble moon eludes sun's gaze ~ struggles 'gainst the dark

Delicate -- Feb 6
the delicate wings ~ of a butterfly ... my hand ~ handy heliport

Last -- Feb 5
as February ~ stretches ahead, a last wish ~ to die in your arms

Down -- Feb 4
pillow fights blossom ~ down feathers fly ... lingering ~ snow drives kids crazy

Crush -- Feb 3
crush of people ~ rush to and fro ... numbers warm ~ the depth of winter

Mishap -- Feb 2
icicle snaps ~ she sneers at my wounded heart ~ no mishap there

Bargain -- Feb 1
make a bargain with ~ Beelzebub ... wear short sleeves ~ in January

Appetite -- Jan 31
cozy comforts ~ bean soup and foot warmer ~ quenched appetites
an appetite for ~ adventure led to Marines ~ Asian tropic moon  

Reward -- Jan 30
alive in April ~ a reward for enduring ~ the dead of winter

Ghost -- Jan 29
cold as a witch's tit ~ on an antarctic glacier ~ ghostly vision

Surface -- Jan 28
the water skimmer ~ uses surface tension ~ Jesus bug
Alarm -- Jan 27
slammed it off ~ when the alarm rang ... dreaming ~ of warm sunshine

Trade -- Jan 26
the ivory trade ~ banned for decades ...barely slowed ~ elephant hunting

Value, Scrawny -- Jan 25
January has ~ some credit ... a scrawny cat ~ has value too!

Halting -- Jan 24
rain becomes ice as ~ roads get slick, tree limbs creak ... his ~ actions are halting

Frighten -- Jan 23
eerie sights and sounds ~ lightning strikes, thunder rumbles ~ frighten the children

Last -- Jan 22
last Mockingbird song ~ watching as she walks away ~ I feel life slipping

Double -- Jan 21
winter shortages ~ ache of desire and need ~ double trouble

Ahead -- Jan 20
May blossoms flourish ~ after winters fury ... the the worst is ahead

Winter -- Jan 19
desolate winter ~ long cold nights ... our bodies spooned ~ beneath heavy quilts

Attempt -- Jan 18
sun and clouds battle ... my ~ shadow attempts to follow ~ a fickle lover

Harsh -- Jan 17
the harsh north wind ~ makes a coward of desire ~ warm belly beats full

Nice -- Jan 16
winter has moments ~ of perfect beauty ... nice days ~ don't come often

Join -- Jan 15
'Join us, not them', the ~ poster bearer cried, from the ~ dark side of the moon.

Sigh -- Jan 14
she smiled, he sighed ~ winter days became warmer ~ incongruity

Zesty -- Jan 13
invigorating ~ zesty morning cold ... begin ~ my new diary

Magnificent -- Jan 12
touching her was a ~ magnificent obsession ~ banked fire of desire

Shaky -- Jan 11
shaky Jake was a ~ wanted man ... the lawyer said ~ he had married thrice

Mysterious -- Jan 10
how can life be ~ serious ... when winter is ~ so mysterious

Admit -- Jan 9
moon glow and starlight ~ favorite motion picture ~ admit only two

Conscious -- Jan 8
brand new calendar ~ conscious of past infamy ~ vow new beginnings!

Friction -- Jan 7
friction and accord ~ antonyms of agreement ~ like sun and cold

Assorted -- Jan 6
warm quilted clothes ~ heating assorted canned goods ~ veggie potpourri

Excellent -- Jan 5
excellent children ~ remarkable behavior ~ a mitten morning

String -- Jan 4
snowbound children watch ~ puppet dancing on its strings ~ imagination

Travel -- Jen 2
cold seeps into old ~ bones ... time secretes lethargy ~ winter travels end

News -- Jan 1
the news isn't good ~ father time got drunk ... the new ~ year starts with arrest

Observation -- Dec 31
an observation ~ life struggles to survive ~ the depth of winter

Bait -- Dec 30
stalker and his bait ~ prey on the city's weakest ~ last night of the year

Fashion -- Dec 29
the dolls festival ~ fashionable dresses ~ a hole in my sole

Muscle -- Dec 28
year of the horse ~ my favorite muscle ~ is between the ... ears

Target -- Dec 27
my heart is ~ the target of her words ~ icicles lengthen
ears perked to snow ~ fox listens for prey ... vole makes ~ a moving target

Service -- Dec 26
in heat or in cold ~ a servant to one's nation ~ salute the service

Myth -- Dec 25
eight tiny reindeer ~ one fat guy ... a frolicking ~ yule tide myth

Fire -- Dec 24
warm by the fire ~ watch snowfall through the window ~ comfort ... and joy

Rhythm -- Dec 23
December weather ~ freezing rain ... next day wear shorts ~ no rhythm or rhyme

Shout -- Dec 22
scream and shout ~ shriek at inequality ~ melting snow

Baby --  Dec 21
Christmas shopping ~ challenging endeavor ~ found my baby's gift!

Race -- Dec 20
race the north wind ~ strain at the bonds ~ reach for heaven

Forgets -- Dec 19
the elelphant ~ never forgets ... sure as the ~ winter solstice

Guarded -- Dec 18
guarded syllables ~ no longer my concern ~ content, not count!
winter seclusion ~ loneliness leads to distrust ~ a guarded response
Buckingham Palace ~ home of the queen ... guarded by ~ Household Regiment

Frighten -- Dec 17
wrapping Christmas gifts ~ singing carols ... Santa may ~ frighten the children

Delicate -- Dec 16
delicate flower ~ she blooms in my embrace ... like ~ winter's plum blossoms

Impossible -- Dec 15
bizarre Christmas gift ~ find and flash snaps of bigfoot ~ impossible feat!

Desert -- Dec 14
scorching heat by day ~ becomes freezing cold at night ~ desert divergence

Earthy -- Dec 13
he had an earthy ~ unrefined sense of humor ~ funky flatulence

Talk -- Dec 12
our talk becomes sex ~ or we argue and compete ~ the windmill of love

Legal -- Dec 11
careful burning leaves ~ only when it's legal ~ bridges when prudent
out of season hunt ~ generates legal problems ~ the troubles I've seen!

Calculating -- Dec 10
gloves and overcoat ~ long winter stretches ahead ~ calculating spring

Smiling -- Dec 9
her smiling visage ~ lights up my heart ... warm beacon ~ on a winter day

Empty -- Dec 8
famished, empty heart ~ labors for personal touch ~ finds only banked fires
empty frozen fields ~ weathered, abandoned scarecrow ~ tears freeze on old cheeks

Improve -- Dec 6
improve the life of ~ a neglected animal ~ adopt a pound pet

Improve -- Dec 5
feet stretched to the fire ~ hot chocolate or warm soup ~ cannot be improved

Book -- Dec 4
Diamonds and Dust ~ written by my friend Carol ~ an autumnal book

Alert -- Dec 3
whistle of a shell ~ we scurry for warm foxholes ~ always on alert

Race -- Dec 2
long yet oh so short ~ I see the end of the race ~ depth of winter

Quiz -- Dec 1
life is not a quiz ~ more a final questionaire ~ breeze or blaze awaits

Pick -- Nov 30
shoppers pick and choose ~ scrambling over sales tables ~ noisy autumn dawn

Once -- Nov 29
Thanksgiving was once ~ given to gratitude ... black ~ Friday gluttony

Nine -- Nov 28
first freeze of winter ~ Thanksgiving dinner ... nine friends, ~ hot cocoa, warm fire

Mean -- Nov 27
I was dully mean ~ and very mediocre ~ How neutral of me

Laugh -- Nov 26
walk a quiet street ~ laugh from a nearby cafe ~ cold day, warm idyll

Knock -- Nov 25
knock at the door ~ winter wind blast when opened ~ black cowl of reaper

Junk -- Nov 24
passing ship's waves bobbed ~ the junks in Hong Kong harbor ~ a festival dance

Intend -- Nov 23
spring intends to bring ~ beauty back into nature ~ winter's dearth farewell

Haste -- Nov 22
youth of wastful haste ~ autumn of mournful regret ~ remorseless winter

Grim -- Nov 21
a grim, dull morning ~ lightning flashes in the west ~ long night fades to grey

Reset -- Nov 8
his reset button ~ a catastrophic failure ~ dangling icicle

Quickly -- Nov 7
how quickly skies change ~ from warm sun to windy cold ~ late geese hurry south

Priceless -- Nov 6
a sprinkling of stars ~ envelop a gibbous moon ~ priceless ornaments

Orphan -- Nov 5
the bottle raised fawn ~ orphaned when its mom was killed ~ loved to eat cigars

Native -- Nov 4
native species ~ on the brink of extinction ~ mankind's careless plow
the native glanced up ~ three huge white birds floated near ~ dropped his net and fled

Mere -- Nov 3
it was mere chance that ~ the falling leaves covered the ~ corpse so thoroughly

HaikuWordGame
Chimney, thirteen, volunteer
banked fires eased the task ~ when chimney sweep volunteered ~ for thirteen cleanings

Know -- Nov 1
she glances my way ~ my heart skips, then beats faster ~ her spring smile knows me

Jest -- Oct 31
the tricksters want treats ~ will accept nothing less ... and ~ apples are a jest

Inside -- Oct 30
the feeling inside ~ like a warm spring rain ... belies ~ a dying autumn

Heal -- Oct 29
pagan ceremony ~ aft the hunter's moon ... heals the ~ split twixt life and death
dormant winter nears ~ nature hopes to rest, and ~ heal last year's scars

Get -- Oct 28
Late October eve ~ eager broomstick hangs on hook ~ wiccan gets prepared
cool April showers ~ bring in their wake May flowers ~ forget-me-not

HaikuWordGame
Graceful, Goose, Grimace -- Oct 28
balmy April breeze ~ the graceful goose grimaced ... fish ~ nibbled at her webs

Fracture -- Oct 27
fracture in the ~ earths crust, called San Andreas ~ California bye
I fell on my butt ~ and fractured my coccyx ~ I could race a snail

HaikuWordGame
Deep, Blue, Welkin -- Oct 26
eyes to the welkin ~ the deep blue vault ... like a sea ~ of white puffy sails

Even -- Oct 26
even the autumn wind ~ wept at the fleeting color ~ lovely on the wing

Down -- Oct 25
down cold creaky stair ~ light switch in the cellar dark ~ do I dare the step?

Catch -- Oct 24
catch summer's ending ~ glean the glory of autumn ~ endure winter's chill
catch a moonbeam ~ cradle it quite carefully ~ cloudy night rescue

HaikuWordGame
Show, Curve, Manipulate -- Oct 23
The curve of the moon ~ shows no manipulation ~ heart such easy prey

Behind -- Oct 23
behind evil smile ~ little witch yelled trick or treat ~ broom and crescent moon

Advance -- Oct 22
winter advances ~ warns of frost and icicles ~ heart fire fades away

We -- Oct 21
spooning while we sleep ~ wake with joy in a light heart ~ cherry blossoms
the definition ~ of 'we' -- objective of 'us' ~ fountain of delight

Vital -- Oct 20
vitality wanes ~ the strength to carry forward ~ only stubble fields
vital clue was ~ overlooked on first exam ~ hunting for the moon

Unite -- Oct 19
united 'gainst evil ~ Rocky and Bullwinkle fight ~ Boris, Natasha

Test -- Oct 18
test of discipline ~ exercise or laziness ~ planting seeds of will

Stay -- Oct 17
'oh won't you stay ~ just a little bit longer' ~ sings Jackson Browne

#ThePush
Falling Leaves -- Oct 17
like him, the falling leaves ~ old, worn out and desiccated ~ most welcome repose

Rich -- Oct 16
rich dirt, well watered ~ dormant the rest of winter ~ farmer's Almanac
October deluge ~ soaks the land, fills reservoirs ~ spirit enrichment

Part -- Oct 15
my parting with you ~ struggles with lonely autumn ~ for supremacy

Our -- Oct 14
no more 'our', you say ~ shuffling leaves as I ponder ~ those words rend my soul

Haiku Word Game
Cricket, Torch, Age -- Oct 14
cricket chirps nearby ~ search the house, age no hindrance ~ my torch lights the way

Number -- Oct 13
six six six is the ~ so called number of the beast ~ winter moon cools fear
numbers move upward ~ as our calendar shortens ~ life's oxymoron

Mood -- Oct 12
The mood in the room ~ was black -- Everyone wanted ~ to play in the snow.

Lush -- Oct 11
west Texas desert ~ oasis shimmers ahead ~ lush mirage beckons
the guy was a lush ~ like the proverbial fish ~ then I got sober

Kin -- Oct 10
in simplicity ~ is the beauty of nature ~ chaos not its kin
dinna ken my kin ~ quirky, murky, barmy, mad ~ howl at hunters moon

Just -- Oct 9
just as the air cools ~ snow builds on mountain ridges ~ crisp apples picked
wave a plastic wand ~ children chasing soap bubbles ~ just reward eludes

Impression -- Oct 8
gossamer wings flit ~ dragonfly darts back and forth ~ leaves no impression
My impression is ~ autumn has arrived at last  ~ vee of southbound geese

Harmony -- Oct 7
nature's harmony ~ a symphony of seasons ~ verdant or sterile
'Harmony and me ~ We're pretty good company' ~ Elton and Bernie

Grand -- Oct 6
the nights grow longer ~ winds cooler, air seems cleaner ~ grand march to winter     
people on the street ~ no diff'rence 'tween rich and poor ~ a grand illusion
'grand', seductively ~ 'Too much', he replied, leering ~ bartering used car

Fifth -- Oct 5
dawn, October fifth ~ cool and grey with thunder near ~ grass sways with wind gusts
a sober fifth wheel ~ the designated driver ~ saw everyone home

Evidence -- Oct 4
his protestations ~ of innocence were shaky ~ evidence spurned that
autumn is entrenched ~ evidence to contrary ~ feeling summer heat.

Don't -- Oct 3
Autumn reds and gold ~ become winter browns and grey ~ desires don't change
don't use my heart ~ then pile it like dead red leaves ~ brown autumn grass

Chase -- Oct 2
thunderstorm clearing ~ bright sun lifts sagging spirit ~ chases rainbows end

Bright -- Oct 1
bright beautiful day ~ autumn smells in the cool air ~ burning piles of leaves

Absolve -- Sep 30
forget to buy milk ~ mate frowns, scolds, and finally ~ absolves of any guilt

#HaikuWordGame -- Sep 30
1. loom 2. shuttle 3. thrice
Thrust the shuttle ~ Through the loom ~ Thrice

Yearn -- Sep 29
Covet youth's desires ~ heart pounding, star gazing love ~ Age yearns for spring moon
Summer heat lingers ~ After autumn's equinox ~ Yearn for fall cooling.

Wasted -- Sep 28
Swift wasted time ~ Autumn's decline      winter's death ~ Dreams of distant Spring
The days are wasted ~ Nights as well       coldness abounds ~ Like depths of winter.
Wasted leaves settle ~ Autumn precedes winter's death ~ Dreams of distant Spring

Vigorous -- Sep 27
Beavers pack their dam ~ vigorous industry ~ Prepares for winter

Usual -- Sep 26
Captain Renault's men ~ Caught the usual suspects ~ Casablanca bound!

#HaikuWordGame -- Sep 26
1.waver 2.help 3.scarlet
help must not waver ~ autumn rains flood streams, rivers ~ bring scarlet malaise

Trust -- Sep 25
burning raked leaves ~ forlorn scarecrow in bare field ~ trust in spring to come 

Send -- Sep 24
recently planted seeds ~ send roots deep into the earth ~ shoots into the sky

Reserve -- Sep 23
He reserved the right ~ To be a sociopath ~ Embraced Tea Party

Prey -- Sep 22
Its prey unaware ~ The black cat quietly stalked ~ Dying of the light

Onto -- Sep 21
Gently, lovingly ~ First lowered onto her back ~ Carnal acts followed!

Neat -- Sep 20
Rain washed the debris ~ The streets looked neat and cleaner ~ Than before the storms.

Morose -- Sep 19
Morose goldfish ~ Commits koi seppuku ~ Leaps to dry land.

Lively -- Sep 18
Take flight at sunset ~ From 'neath Austin bridge, lively ~ Colony of bats.

Kin -- Sep 17
Ken my nearest kin ~ Be they spice, everything nice ~ Or puppy dog tails.

Jeer, Justice -- Sep 16
When you like outlaws ~ And laugh at law and order ~ You jeer at justice

Intersect -- Sep 15
Summer and Fall ~ Intersect of heat and cool ~ Thankful relief

Heal -- Sep 14
Scarecrow bleeds straw ~ Winter ice ~ Heals.
Regret, forgiveness ~ Healed the conflict between them ~ Family squabbles!
A thousand yard stare ~ disguises emotional scars ~ Love may aid healing

Get -- Sep 13
'Get a job', he said ~ And 'Bums like you take the cake' ~ Yes, but I like cake!
They get! Give nothing ~ The greed of 'free' enterprise ~ Medusae of business.

Free -- Sep 12
Free of want and need ~ Hopeful of new beginnings ~ Homeless vet survives.

Evoke -- Sep 11
The new skyscraper ~ Evokes painful memories ~ Of that awful day!
Rain evokes thoughts ~ Of Summer days, together ~ A cozy hayloft.

Decline -- Sep 10
Completely depressed ~ Looks at the Haiku Challenge ~ And declines to try!
Why did she ask that? ~ It's no one's business ~ Decline to answer!
Once atop the world ~ The gods of nature gave way ~ To One, and             declined!

Charity -- Sep 9
Disabled vet waits ~ Crowded hospital hallway ~ No charity there.
Faith means acceptance ~ We hope for good days ahead ~ Charity brings both.

Birth -- Sep 8
The cycles of life ~ Birth, life, death; joy, pain; love, hate, ~ Are never broken

Answer -- Sep 7
Questions of Summer ~ Autumn finally answers ~ Will it EVER cool?!

You -- Sep 6
Aroma of pine ~ Feel of grass between my toes ~ And you in my arms!
You toy with my love ~ Like a cat with a sparrow ~ My heart bleeds sorrow!

Wince -- Sep 5
Falcon tucked wings, dove ~ Eyes glued to prize. Bird below ~ Winced at its peril.
Difficulties rise ~ When planting seeds of Kigo ~ Wince, shrug, try again.

Vary -- Sep 4
The universe flies ~ Ever expanding, faster ~ Yet unvarying
Sceneries vary ~ Flowering moor or desert ~ You, ever the same


Understand -- Sep 3
understand now ~ You want me, but would rather ~ Have autonomy
Her panties, my head ~ Hangover! headache!       Sweet perfume! ~ Now I understand.
Understanding reels ~ 'Neath the weight of ignorance ~ Deep as winter's night.

Temper -- Sep 2
Warm, but sometimes cool ~ My temper is uneven ~ Ask my enemies!
Singing, leaves its sheath ~ Katana is tempered steel ~ Whistles thru the air.

Send -- Sep 1
Send me no flowers ~ Do not weep at my tombstone ~ Remember instead
Lucifer, my cat ~ Has more sense than I       She sends ~ No warnings, just pounces.

Return -- Aug 31
You wrote the letter ~ That ripped my poor heart apart ~ And then you returned
Return to sender ~ Address unknown. Presley sang ~ Millions of girls swooned!

Quickly -- Aug 30
How quickly mine beats ~ When your heart is near It races ~ Like a playful colt.
The sound of the clap ~ Caused Lucy to leap     Quickly ~ Spin, land on her feet

Overt -- Aug 28
My love was overt ~ Hatred, sown just as deeply ~ Was less visible
He was a sly dog ~ Overtly he was true blue ~ Covertly, he lied.

Nonsense -- Aug 27
Mountain lake in June ~ quiet, peaceful nature sounds ~ All else is nonsense.
Tis nonsensical ~ the lengths to which we'll go ~ for Haikuchallenge

Mention -- Aug 26
You mentioned romance ~ Here in the dark, hear the ~ Screech of cats in love.
Spring river flooding ~ Low crossing under water ~ No mention on news.

Long -- Aug 25
Summer slowly fades ~ Heat remains, enervating ~ Long wait for Autumn
Autumn has claimed me ~ My body does not respond ~ Longs for youth again.

Kneel -- Aug 24
Believers were shown ~ The savior's humility ~ Kneel to wash bare feet
I kneel before her ~ arms wrapping round her naked thighs ~ pleading forgiveness

Journey -- Aug 23
Holiday journey ~ To distant destinations ~ Makes the summer fly.
The destination ~ does not matter      The journey ~ Is most important

Insist -- Aug 22
Insistent howling~ Brought the wolves from far away~ To the elk carcass
Spring rain continued~ Unabated, the day long~ Scuttling clouds insist

Heed -- Aug 21
Daylight fades to dark~ Lucifer, black as death, sits~ Waits for starlit night
Summer fades to Fall~ Heat retreats to cooler days~ Pay heed to the change.

Grand -- Aug 20
The safe cracker drilled ~ And entered the sturdy vault ~ Many grand in sight.
"You're grand", she said ~ I blushed crimson red.       Strolling ~ Under a blue moon.
'Grand Design' declares ~ Genesis needs no godhead ~ Perhaps, but so sad.

Fetch -- Aug 19
Winter blasts give way ~ Spring fetches prosperity ~ New growth seeks deep roots
"Fetch", he screamed loudly ~ The cat looked at him calmly ~ And licked its foreleg

Early -- Aug 18
The best time of year ~ Late summer, early autumn ~ Baseball AND football!
Saturday night drink ~ Sunday morn aftereffect ~ Too early for this!!!
Early August morn ~ Past days swelter burned away ~ Cool late summer dawn.

Delight -- Aug 17
Laughing with delight ~ Iced tea, midday nap, fireworks ~ Glories of summer.
I turn, you are there ~ My face flushes with delight ~ Spring warmth has returned

Crash -- Aug 16
Like falling leaves ~ The platter crashed to the floor ~ He felt such a fool.
He died while staring ~ Thought the rose was beautiful ~ Sirens neared the crash.

Back -- Aug 15
Forward and backward ~ Summer wind blows golden grain ~ Awaiting scythes sweep.
Turned his back on life ~ Reached cold palm cross frigid moor ~ Grasped the hand of death.
Laying on my back ~ Searching for our lucky star ~ Heavenly splendor

Ask -- Aug 14
I stumble through life ~ Friends ask for my ambitions ~ Hazy reality
Asking for more rain ~ Falls on deaf ears of the gods ~ Drought unabated.
Seek and you will find ~ Ask and you will be given ~ So says St. Matthew

Yes -- Aug 13
Yes, I love them all ~ Fealty strong as March wind ~ Lovely Twitter clan

Time -- Aug 9
We rush, constantly ~ Houseflies flitting, never still ~ Demanding more time
Fields neath summer sun ~ Hear laughter from passersby ~ Fills their time with joy.
Hot summer evening ~ Fireflies dance in mute rhythm ~ Time flows steadily.

Snap -- Aug 8
The back, at the snap ~ Takes his drop, into his stance ~ Fires the ball downfield.
The quiet was broken ~ Snap of a twig underfoot ~ All movement halted

Rest -- Aug 7
Fidgety, need to move ~ Restive when she does not call ~ Could something be wrong?
Rest is overrated ~ Life is short, made for living ~ Doze when you die

Question -- Aug 6
Question the power ~ Our duty and privilege ~ Free nation demands
The question at hand ~ Is it alright to be mean ~ To no one I know.

Pinch -- Aug 5
The pinch of pleasure ~ For the hardship of a foe ~ Not a welcome pain.
A pinch of salt thrown ~ Over the shoulder, salvaged ~ the day from bad luck.
Mail from my woman ~ Thrilled as we are separated ~ I pinch myself hard!

Orphan -- Aug 4
An orphan of fate ~ Opportunity denied ~ He does not relate
An orphan of fate ~ He cannot seem to relate ~ Uncared for by others.
Mewing dolefully ~ Kitten cries beside dead cat ~ Orphaned by auto

Nag -- Aug 3
The hag is a nag ~ She smokes her fag       causes a gag ~ A drag of a slag!

Mend -- Aug 2
My truck is wheezing ~ I can just get it to start ~ Mechanic, please mend!
The mending of fences ~ As Robert Frost reminds us ~ Makes good neighbors
You prepare my meals ~ I mend things around the house ~ Help mates together!

Late -- Aug 1
Striker, in support, ~  strains for late pass      Heads ball to ~ upper right corner.
Late in the evening ~ The light fades      Fireflies begin ~ Their mating flickers

King -- July 31
The king of beasts ~ lumbers cross the savannah ~ Leaves squashed lions behind.
He is king of kings ~ The name has a certain ring ~ A god by any name.
Mighty Ulysses ~ Hero of the Trojan Horse ~ King of Ithaca

Join -- July 30
Onto the sidewalk ~ Join the flying, crushing crowd ~ Prostrate, into bar
Buzzard sees afar ~ Its brethren circling above ~ Joins the festival.
Woodworker builds good ~ Furniture The finest joins ~ Are made with dovetails.

Imp -- July 29
Kiss your lovely lips ~ Hands roam your body freely ~ Inner imp delights
Her lips tremble ~ Impish eyes lift, almost coy ~ Ravenous, she feasts!
Imp frolics in leaves ~ Rejoicing      Crisp autumn air ~ Mom smiles at her child.
Bridge falls into river ~ Hundreds perish horribly ~ Imp grins broadly

High -- July 28
High on women ~ Their curves and secret smiles ~ Irresistible
Pistol shot rings out ~ Stage driver reins in his steeds ~ Highwayman marauds!
High as a kite ~ Stoned out of my mind ~ Just two I used to be!

Gone -- July 27, 2013
Mustang flies like a ~ bat out of hell; will be ~ gone in a moment.
Gone the days of youth ~ Whispers in the universe ~ Lost with lineless face.
"Going, going, gone" ~ The deathly auctioneer said, ~ As he sold a life.

Fragile -- July 26, 2013

He knew her well / Her heart was fragile. He knew / because he broke it.
Moon so fragile / Splintered by the waves / White orb lights the sea
Inchworm makes its way / across the crowded sidewalk / life so fragile.

Enter -- July 25, 2013

Back arches as / I thrust deeper, hoping to / Enter your soul
Doe pauses at forest / edge, cautious, as eve deepens / Enters clearing
Exit to enter / Slip from one world to the next / Sample each fondly

Done -- July 24, 2013

Sun lowering, done, / Savannah shadows lengthen / Zebra graze, watchful.
I'm done / With love / No more!
Day is done / Dark looms, advancing west / Light struggles in vain.

Care -- July 23, 2013

Cherry tree blossoms / on hillside, lava creeps near / life does not care.
Careworn thoughts persist / Denying sleep's comfort / Yearning for dreams.
Care has worn me down / Old age demands surcease / Calm, repair, begin

Broad -- July 22, 2013

The Styx is broad / Dead mans journey.     Charon / Is the ferryman.
Or...
The Styx is broad / Journey for the dead.     Charon / Is the ferryman.
The broad rice paddy / Waved in the breeze.      Water / sparkled in the sun.
The private eye / thought she was a dame, / wait for it       a broad!

After -- July 21, 2013

After I sort my / feelings of pain and loss / I breathe, and live!
The eruption / then the glow of the stars / in the aftermath
Warmth after the cold / The sun shines brighter, / Winter dies!
Warmth after cold / The sun shines brighter / Spring blooms.

Waste -- July 18, 2013

Wasteland looms. / Sands to a far horizon.     Heat / waves offer mirage.
Struggling with death / which refuses to bargain. / What wasted effort
We waste / the resources of our orb / profligately

Zeal -- July 20, 2013

My zeal for you / Is unbounded. My desire / unquenchable!
Love blooms / Like Spring Heart / Aflame with zeal.
Zest for life goes / Hand In hand with gusto / Zeal binds the two.

Year -- July 19, 2013

A year here! / A year there! / They really add up!
To the young a year / is endless. To the old / A blink of the eye.
Last year my heart / was frozen. You thawed it out. / This year     Joy!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Haiku / Fog

I'm attempting to portray 'Fog' in these as both a physical thing, and an emotional (mental) disturbance.
Please tell me which, if any, you think best expresses those images, especially in a poetic sense...
perhaps none do, and that's okay too.

creeping fog ~ my memory ~ as I age

uncertainly ~ we watch the ~ fog fog

Stumble in the gloom ~ Lost in an ocean of fog ~ For eternity.

We watch as ~ The fog ~ Fogs

We see ~ The fog ~ Fog

Fog creeps ashore ~ Sensing ~ Internal fog.

Fog creeps ~ Creates ~ Fog

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

The Forest


The forest glade lightens
misty grey morning
ere the sun
burns off the dewy gloom.
 
Deer browse small shrubs
in the clearing,
sating their hunger
before retiring for the day.
 
Woodpecker taps away,
only sound in the early stillness.
His rapping echoes the wood,
then stops!
 
Buck suddenly starts,
legs tense,
head raised,
ears twitch back and forth.
 
Startled by some muffled sound
the herd gracefully bound
into the timber,
disappear.
 
The quiet returns.
Birds begin to sing.
Tapping again.
Another day begins.