Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Haiku--By Karen O'Leary--United States

hospice
the last leaf falls
in peace
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Simon says
take two steps back--
spring layoff
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windstorm
the wheat bent
but not broken
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rattling windows
dad gasps his final breath
during a blizzard
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winter seclusion
at the hill’s base
a lone cross
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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.

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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.

28 comments:

  1. Great poems. Let's hear it for Haiku!

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  2. Oh Ronald,

    What 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

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  3. Tragedy, Humor, Resilience, Resistance, Resolve... Brevity is something you obvious excel in, Karen. You owned this reading, from outset to out the door...

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  4. Dear Michael,

    Thank 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

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  5. Karen this is wonderful, so glad i read this tonight! As for Michael Todd ... Yes i am waiting for his poem too ;-)

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  6. Dear Caroline,

    Thank 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

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  7. Karen, you so aptly define the aspects of life and daily living in this wonderful brief expressions! Thanks for sharing! Sheri

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  8. Dear Sheri,

    Thank 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

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  9. 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.
    I am blessed to be in your company as a writer of poetry.
    Love, Charlene

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  10. Dear Charlene,

    Thank 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

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  11. Dear Karen,

    The 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

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  12. Wow Carolyn!

    Your 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

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    1. Those with a golden heart never know they have one. Humility is just one thing that makes you so special.

      Love you,
      Carolyn

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    2. Thank you so much my friend. Carolyn, you are always in my corner encouraging me.

      Love,
      Karen

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  13. 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

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  14. Dear Maurice,

    Thank 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

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  15. 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

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    1. Dear Paul,

      Thank 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

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  16. Dear Karen,

    All 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

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  17. Dear Sandra,

    You 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

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  18. Thank you, Jack Horne, for the following--

    Wow, love these haiku. Such a wide range and all of them very powerful.

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  19. Dear Jack,

    Thank you so much for your kind words. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  20. Bleak yet beautiful. An uplifting piece when read altogether. Ralph

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  21. Dear Ralph,

    Thank you for your insightful and kind comment. Your encouragement and support mean a lot to me. Have a good day!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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    Replies
    1. Great haiku Karen...strong images. Enjoyed these Karen. God bless...Love, Chris

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  22. Dear Christine,

    Thank 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

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  23. 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

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  24. Dear Connie,

    Thank 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

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