tiny blazes –
where blades of summer grass escape
the lantern’s shadow
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This poem was written for Carpe Diem #612, Lantern, another great prompt hosted by Chèvrefeuille at Carpe Diem Haiku Kai. All of the poems in the link-up can be read here. For some reason, writing this haiku made me think of Bryter Layter by Nick Drake, so here’s an astonishing song from that album.
Hadn’t heard Nick Drake before so I read up on him — so much potential –so sad. Great music.
You’ve given everyone another haiku that needs to be read several times — an interesting paradox in the lantern’s shadow. 🙂
Yes, Nick Drake’s music is beautiful and unique. And, as you say, it’s sad to see all that fade into nothing so quickly.
Paradox is pretty much what I was looking for with the haiku – I wanted the switching of lines 1 and 3 to create an opposite meaning, like the switch from light to dark. Thanks, Jen 🙂
His story reminds me of Phil Ochs’ story, in a way. Though Nick seems to have been a nice guy, while Phil’s depression made him a bit obnoxious. Taken way too soon though — way too soon.
This haiku — again — so elegantly wrought. I’m always amazed. 🙂
nice vision .. as Jen says great paradox!
Well, I don’t have much experience of lanterns, really. And Chèvrefeuille’s photo that provided the prompt showed a lantern in bright sunlight, so I thought I’d go with that 😉
you done good! 🙂
What a nice haiku Blake … Jen gave me the idea to use your haiku for our next Tan Renga Challenge on Friday December 5th. Are you ok with that?
Oh that sounds cool. I’m flattered. Thanks, Chèvrefeuille. I’ve only risked one Tan Renga so far because I’m not used to adding to other writers’ work, so it will be fun to see what other people add to mine 🙂