Dear Whispers’ Friends,
As the Olympics have unfolded, one is heartened to see nations
come together for these events. Cheering
others on and rejoicing in what the athletes are accomplishing is a lesson for
our world leaders. No one can rise up
alone.
Olympic torch
flame transfers from hand
to hand…citius
Olympic rings
flying on flags over
the stadium…altius
Olympic stage
global athletes
shake hands…fortius
Olympic flame
the beginning…citius
altius, fortius…the end
Note--First stanza of
this series published by David McMurray in Asahi Haikuist Network,
August 2016
So much of what the Olympics represents can be said of writing as we bridge borders in a global community, transferring knowledge of
our craft and encouraging others. And in
sharing the light, our own flames become brighter.
A few days ago, Mary Ricketson emailed me this, “Thank you
for making the world smaller so we can all touch each other.” So as the athletes come together in Rio, we
come together at Whispers. It is in the gathering of many that makes us
one.
Thank you contributors and readers for supporting and
encouraging the talented Whispers’ poets. And today, I sit back in my chair realizing
how grateful I am.
Blessings and best wishes to all,
Karen
And so many of us are grateful for what you do as well in maintaining this community, Karen. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely words. It is such a joy to work with caring and talented writers. Happy Writing!
DeleteBlessings,
Karen
very interesting observations Karen,best wishes for Whispers,love and light,angelee
ReplyDeleteDear Anglelee,
DeleteThank you for your well wishes, my friend. It is a joy to have you a part of the Whispers journey.
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Karen,
ReplyDeleteNot only to I like the sequence and its subject matter, but also what Mary Rickertson emailed. The intimacy of touching, passing the torch one hand to another around the world and Mary''s words" Thank you for making the world smaller so we can all touch each other's. And It is the gathering of many that makes us one." Beautiful thought that cannot be repeated enough. Thank you Karen. Thank you every single person in this community of Whispers.
Dear Mary Jo,
DeleteWhat a light you are my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed Mary's thoughts, too. Thank you for all the encouragement and support you give me and others at our online journal.
Blessings and best wishes,
Karen
Karen,
ReplyDeleteT\his is a great set of haiku. I like the little inspirational stories, like the 40+ year old gymnast from Uzbekistan gymnast (not sure how she did, but I'm sure she taught her younger competitors a thing or two) and the guy who kept on running after he pulled his tendon. There must be others, but those were the two I could remember).
~Davidf
Dear David,
DeleteAlthough we aren't on the big stage, I feel Whispers shares many of its own inspirational stories. Thank you for your kind words on my haiku series and for all the encouraging comments you leave for others. Wishing you the best!
Blessings,
Karen
I love this world you create for us.
ReplyDeleteI cherish all who walk these tiles.
None to blame just those to bless,
They who pursue the Whispers files.
Love your poem, Karen... <3
Dear Michael,
DeleteI'm touched by your poem and kind words. I'm so glad you are hear to "walk these tiles." Thank you for all the support you give me and others at Whispers and in the writing community at large. Keep your light shining, my friend.
Blessings,
Karen
Olympic torch...
ReplyDeletethe spirit of
goodness
Lovely lines! :) I loved the idea and connection.
Dear Niranjan,
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words. We are a community reaching out on a smaller stage. Thank you for being a part of our global journal. Best wishes with all your writing endeavors, too.
Blessings,
Karen
What an inspiring poem and message. The imagery is beautiful. The words "by sharing the light, our own flames become brighter" are themselves a flaming torch that we can grasp, and we can pass on to others. This message pours positive energy and light into the world. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDear Nila,
DeleteThank you for your beautiful thoughts. You are a never ending source of inspiration, my friend--a light that never will be quelled. What a joy you are in my life.
Blessings,
Karen
What a beautiful tribute to such a glorious event and to remind us all that Whispers is a place that peoples of all nations may come together to learn from each other and teach each other. May the almighty continue to bless Karen for the work that she does. And may Whispers grow and prosper as it elevates us all.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Thomas!
DeleteWhat a joy to read your beautiful thoughts today. I am so glad you are a part of our Whispers' community, helping us grow and come together. Best wishes always.
Blessings,
Karen
Yes, we are all one in the universal heart flame, and poets play a special role in illuminating that awareness. Mahalo for your eloquent words, Karen.
ReplyDeleteDear Molly,
DeleteLove that thought of a "universal heart flame." Yes, each person has his or her own special part in making the flame shine brighter. Thank you so much for your kind and inspirational thoughts.
Blessings,
Karen
Thank you Karen. It takes an Olympian effort to bring all the poets together who bring separate messages that are so desperately needed.
ReplyDeleteWow JT,
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words. It is contributors like you that help to grow our community and share talents to keep our readers coming back to our journal. Keep on writing!
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Karen,
ReplyDeleteA beautiful Haiku that recreats the spirit of The Olympics.
No politics to mar, no differences or predjudice, brothetly
Love at it's best honoring achievement,
May we all live in this spirit of love.
Thank you for being you.
Love
Yvonne
Dear Yvonne,
DeleteYou are so right, my friend. It is the "spirit of love" that shines brighter than anything else. Thank you so much for you kind words. So glad you are a part of our journey.
Blessings,
Karen
One day humans may learn to cooperate, as well as we compete with each other. Nice write
ReplyDeleteDear Martha,
DeleteSo much truth in your words. We do have the opportunity to reach out to others making a difference in our corner of the world. That does matter!
Blessings,
Karen
A very nice and touching reflective poem, Karen. I enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing it. Continued blessings! -MJ
ReplyDeleteDear Maurice,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, my friend. Your ongoing encouragement is a gift in my life.
Many blessings,
Karen
Dear Karen,
ReplyDeleteReally like:
Olympic stage
global athletes
shake hands--vibrant image that deserves taking to heart.
Dear Michael,
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words. What a blessing it it to have you here, my friend. I look forward to working with you are Activity Editor and fellow writing in the months to come.
Blessings,
Karen