Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Swatting Myself: Haiku on the Fly-- MyKu!

Training a wide mind to notice minutiae.


Spring has come with its hubbub and troubles. The creaking need to get outside and stand in the foolishly alive air is upon us again here in New Jersey. The chemical smokestacks greet the new season with their votive fires. And I, a poet despite myself, am to be found scribbling among the nooks of my office cubicle. Or sitting dazed on the stoop at lunchtime while busy birds thread their nests into being. Take note! I tell myself. And so, here are a few Spring notes I've penned on my palms like a new phone number, each new number over-writing the last until, finally, my hands are a palimpsest, and all the Springs run together like soapy ink.


There are two versions of the introductory poem (of course!). I can never say either "Hello" or "Goodbye" just once.


Swatting a fly--
rolled paper on the summer screen--
What? Haiku!

Swat that fly!
With what? Rolled paper against
the screen... Haiku!

Ratty grass
in the cool quadrangle
spring dawn

Spring breeze--
All night on the lawn
a paper kite

Spring birds at dusk--
Even the kids next door
settle on the stoop

Spring is here!
No more long nights dreaming
of cherry blossoms!

Carefully
the cat sniffs the windowscreen--
Spring breeze

Spring evening--
The curious moon uncloaks
a last patch of snow

Spring nighttime---
Drunks behind the Irish pub
play on the beach

Breeze by breeze
through the stirring grassblades
Spring arrives

For over an hour
calling in the dogs to eat--
Spring dusk

Spring night--
Everyone leans against the bar
in less clothes

Spring cleaning--
Dirt under my fingernails
from the flowerbox

Autumn already?
But, I'm not yet tired
of wiping sweat

Send me one of you haiku! Email gregglory@aol.com.



5/02/2007