refleXions - updated November 25, 2001

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Welcome to my Japanese Poetry Page!

When I was a child, I had a wonderful book full of poems and stories from Japan, along with Japanese artwork.

I love the fluidity and simple beauty of Japanese poetry, and the appreciation of nature that is so simply - yet richly - embodied in Japanese works.

 I often write poetry in Japanese style (Haiku or Tanka) to clarify a thought or emotion. Take a leisurely stroll through my poems! 

(Run your cursor over the pictures for a short comment).                           

"Low Tide"

Spent waves kiss my toes.
Eyes close and deep from within
Waves break with a sigh .

"Locket"
I will remember
Early flutters deep within
Joy and pain are one. 
Time goes by yet you remain
                                        In my heart forever young.

"Intimacy"

Opening petals ~ 
Reveal layers of fragrance ~
My heart is a rose.

"Birthmother"

Lost to you in time ~
Discovered, undeciphered ~
Our Rosetta Stone.

 "City Slicker"
Fluorescent Letters
Shimmer in oily puddles
As urban rain falls.

"Compulsion"
Gulping chocolate ~ 
In furtive desperation ~
        Swallowing anger.

"Release"
Emotions thunder ~
Finally overflowing ~
Tears fall soft as rain.

How to write Haiku and Tanka - both are Japanese styles of unrhymed poetry.  Each has a set number of lines with a specific number of syllables to each line.  Often, the verses refer to nature or to the seasons.

Haiku has three lines with 5, 7, and 5 syllables.

Be aware of your surroundings without and your thoughts within. Some of my favorite poems are about everyday things, placed in a setting inspired by  the beauty of creation.  Have fun!