hospice
the last leaf falls
in peace
_______________
Simon says
take two steps back--
spring layoff
_______________
windstorm
the wheat bent
but not broken
_______________
rattling windows
dad gasps his final breath
during a blizzard
_______________
winter seclusion
at the hill’s base
a lone cross
_______________
There haiku have been previously published in order at A Hundred Gourds, Frogpond, Showcase Haiku Haijin--Sketchbook, Sharpening the Green Pencil 2012, and Poems of the World. Special thank you to these editors for allowing me to share my words.
_______________
Karen O'Leary is a freelance writer/editor from West Fargo, ND. Her
poetry, short stories, and articles have been published in a variety of
venues. She released her first book of poetry in 2011 called Whispers... published by A.P.F. Publisher. Their second project, Snippets...an anthology of short verse,
contains poetry from 73 talented writers from across the world and was
released in 2012. Karen is a member of The Writers and Poetry Alliance
and the Haiku Society of America.
Great poems. Let's hear it for Haiku!
ReplyDeleteOh Ronald,
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight you are! Thank you for your kind words. I'm cheering for haiku too and trying to learn to write them. Best wishes with all your writing endeavors.
Karen
Tragedy, Humor, Resilience, Resistance, Resolve... Brevity is something you obvious excel in, Karen. You owned this reading, from outset to out the door...
ReplyDeleteDear Michael,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I'm working at haiku but the more I learn the more I find out I need to learn. I like concise forms so your kind words are greatly appreciated. Hope to get a poem from you soon. Have a good day!
Karen
Karen this is wonderful, so glad i read this tonight! As for Michael Todd ... Yes i am waiting for his poem too ;-)
ReplyDeleteDear Caroline,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words and for all the encouraging comments you have been leaving for other writers too. What a joy to have you a part of the Whispers community.
Blessings,
Karen
Karen, you so aptly define the aspects of life and daily living in this wonderful brief expressions! Thanks for sharing! Sheri
ReplyDeleteDear Sheri,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words and ongoing encouragement my friend. You are such an uplifting person, a wonderful asset to the writing community. Best wishes with all your writing endeavors.
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Karen, It is so amazing how much can be said in so few words. You do have such a talent for speaking volumes with so few words. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
ReplyDeleteI am blessed to be in your company as a writer of poetry.
Love, Charlene
Dear Charlene,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much my friend. I am humbled by your kind words. I feel blessed to be in your company too. I appreciate all your encouragement and support.
Warm regards,
Karen
Dear Karen,
ReplyDeleteThe one you wrote about your father took my breath away and touched me deeply, Although I am not a haiku expert, the first one reminded me of the peaceful setting hospice provided when two of my friends died there. The second one made me smile, though layoffs are not really funny. You just had a witty way of expressing it! The one about the windstorm shows your own resilience to those trying times that pass through our lives. The image of the lone cross at the base of the hill reminded me of the small graveyards many families used to have in their backyards.
Beautifully written from a golden heart!
Love,
Carolyn
Wow Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteYour insightful and lovely words sure are a gift to me today. I try to put a bit of myself into these poems which is difficult given their concise format. I don't know about the "golden heart" but I try to be a positive voice in the writing community. What a blessing you are my friend.
Love,
Karen
Those with a golden heart never know they have one. Humility is just one thing that makes you so special.
DeleteLove you,
Carolyn
Thank you so much my friend. Carolyn, you are always in my corner encouraging me.
DeleteLove,
Karen
Very nice haiku, Karen. I especially like the first one. It echos of peace in a time of sadness for some. Thanks for sharing and continued blessings! -MJ
ReplyDeleteDear Maurice,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. Your ongoing encouragement of me and others here at Whispers is a bright light! I appreciate all you do.
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Karen...so much enjoyed these lovely haiku of yours, but I have to admit that I have a favourite out of the whole set, and that is the third one. Thank you for sharing! // paul
ReplyDeleteDear Paul,
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words. The third haiku placed in a contest so you have an eye for what is probably one of my best. So good to see you back at Whispers. You are such an uplifting voice here.
Best wishes,
Karen
Dear Karen,
ReplyDeleteAll your haiku are so heartfelt and moving in many different ways and the images you have created with your pen make it all the more so. Very well done, my friend.
Love Sandra
Dear Sandra,
ReplyDeleteYou are such a good friend always encouraging me along the way. Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed these little poems. So good to have you a part of Whispers.
Love,
Karen
Thank you, Jack Horne, for the following--
ReplyDeleteWow, love these haiku. Such a wide range and all of them very powerful.
Dear Jack,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated.
Blessings,
Karen
Bleak yet beautiful. An uplifting piece when read altogether. Ralph
ReplyDeleteDear Ralph,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insightful and kind comment. Your encouragement and support mean a lot to me. Have a good day!
Blessings,
Karen
Great haiku Karen...strong images. Enjoyed these Karen. God bless...Love, Chris
DeleteDear Christine,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words today. So good to have your uplifting voice here at Whispers. I appreciate your ongoing support of me and others.
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Karen, Each haiku is a little gem all its own. Written with humor, wit and compassion, I enjoyed every one! Your talent is shinning bright and I am very happy to see a bit of your own on your site. Blessings, Connie
ReplyDeleteDear Connie,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your thoughtful comments. I try to publish poems of mine so that I can connect with the talented contributors like you. I figure if I don't share my words why should others. I appreciate all your support and encouragement.
Blessings,
Karen