An Elder Poet Seeking Calmness in Haiku and Photos
Jay Voss
Note: Haiku is a poem of three lines with 5 syllables in Line 1, 7 in Line 2, and 5 in Line 3 for a total of 17. It is supposed to juxtapose two ideas sometimes using images from nature. My attempts are little more free form than that, but I do stick to the 17 syllable rule. Haiku poets in Japan were usually trained for years in a contemplative setting to develop this skill. I have obviously not done that, so keep that in mind when you read the following. I like using this poetic structure because it allows me to suggest, imply or imagine a thought, while at the same time allowing you, the reader, to fill in your own meaning as you contemplate the words.
11/13/15
Adaptation
IPad Parallels
A system for the future
So, I purchased it
11/16/15
Legacy
Judy Collins and others
Sing haunting duets
"Strangers Again", hope.
11/16/15
Paris, 11/13/15
"New War" violence
Terrorists reign for now
Is there an answer?
Jay Voss
Note: Haiku is a poem of three lines with 5 syllables in Line 1, 7 in Line 2, and 5 in Line 3 for a total of 17. It is supposed to juxtapose two ideas sometimes using images from nature. My attempts are little more free form than that, but I do stick to the 17 syllable rule. Haiku poets in Japan were usually trained for years in a contemplative setting to develop this skill. I have obviously not done that, so keep that in mind when you read the following. I like using this poetic structure because it allows me to suggest, imply or imagine a thought, while at the same time allowing you, the reader, to fill in your own meaning as you contemplate the words.
11/13/15
Adaptation
IPad Parallels
A system for the future
So, I purchased it
11/16/15
Legacy
Judy Collins and others
Sing haunting duets
"Strangers Again", hope.
11/16/15
Paris, 11/13/15
"New War" violence
Terrorists reign for now
Is there an answer?
11/16/15
Habitat
Birds live in the Mall
To fly in a place not still
Blue sky beyond glass.
11/18/15
Balance
Frog on lily pad
Eyes sideways searching for what?
Camera sees the moment.
11/18/15
Convergence
A strolling couple
Lost in the colors of fall
Find warmth in sunshine.
11/19/15
Serendipity
Water falling and time
Randomly change the face of rocks
So, what do you see?
12/10/15
BOE Musings
Peace reigned for awhile
Turmoil arises, causing angst
Face the foe, find peace.
Love: Lost and Found
The loss of love pains
The soul. To find love again
In family, yes!
Anna
Friend, not seen lately,
Walks by with silent purpose
My joy walks with her.
Coach
Life coach listens well
Leading me to my own place
Of finding purpose.
12/12/15
Joy
Where do you find it?
Small events come together
Surprising to self.
BOE Musings
Peace reigned for awhile
Turmoil arises, causing angst
Face the foe, find peace.
Love: Lost and Found
The loss of love pains
The soul. To find love again
In family, yes!
Anna
Friend, not seen lately,
Walks by with silent purpose
My joy walks with her.
Coach
Life coach listens well
Leading me to my own place
Of finding purpose.
12/12/15
Joy
Where do you find it?
Small events come together
Surprising to self.
12/12/15
Abstract: Santa's Home in the Mall
Santa's house reshaped,
Every kid's wishing place,
Magic comes alive. Holidays!
12/28/15
Holidays
Heart seeks belonging
Family comes together
In laughter and joy
Jacob
He walks with focus
Toward objects of interest
Adults redirect
Retirement
No work required
Time for creative pursuits
"The call of the wild."
Holidays
Heart seeks belonging
Family comes together
In laughter and joy
Jacob
He walks with focus
Toward objects of interest
Adults redirect
Retirement
No work required
Time for creative pursuits
"The call of the wild."
Jacob
The eyes look afar
With blanket snuggled tightly
Life is good and blest.
02/28/2016
Stella
Photo by Gina Voss Coscina
Stella, infant posed.
Breath of life, small hands resting.
New life, warm and soft.
03/27/2016
Morphing Photography:
A fun sport thanks to
Digital transformation
Restructured pixels.
Morphing Photography:
A fun sport thanks to
Digital transformation
Restructured pixels.
Haiku on an Easter Morning, March 27, 2016
I rattled off the following little pieces in about 30 minutes, sitting in one of my local Starbucks. Blame the coffee.
The Christ has risen
Hope, possible once again
In a World of chaos.
A Wish for grandkids:
May you find love and peace
In your life's journey.
Second half of life
Its path no longer mapped out
My Soul can explode.
Listen, consider
Decide based on my beliefs
Find peace in knowing.
Friends, family give.
I take their love gratefully
Salvation and Joy!
04/14/17
New Day
Sun at horizon
Light illuminates darkness
Consciousness creates.
I rattled off the following little pieces in about 30 minutes, sitting in one of my local Starbucks. Blame the coffee.
The Christ has risen
Hope, possible once again
In a World of chaos.
A Wish for grandkids:
May you find love and peace
In your life's journey.
Second half of life
Its path no longer mapped out
My Soul can explode.
Listen, consider
Decide based on my beliefs
Find peace in knowing.
Friends, family give.
I take their love gratefully
Salvation and Joy!
04/14/17
New Day
Sun at horizon
Light illuminates darkness
Consciousness creates.
11/27/2017
View from the Beach
High Tide, rolling waves,
I observe life on the beach,
Calmness overtakes me.
View from the Beach
High Tide, rolling waves,
I observe life on the beach,
Calmness overtakes me.
4/27/18
Snowbird
Charleston's climate shines
Spirits soar above the clouds
Warming this old soul.
Snowbird
Charleston's climate shines
Spirits soar above the clouds
Warming this old soul.
Heart of the Rose
From the Heart (Oct. 31, 2020, Halloween)
Heart Tests
My shape is well known.
Instruments image the scape.
Feelings remain still.
Centering
The heart creates life
With every beat and pulse.
Blood races onward.
The Older Heart
The old heart races
To keep up with tough demands.
The song of life thrives.
The Spirit
Spirit in the heart,
Wholeness in every beat,
A warm smile gives hope.