Grace

[DavidGrayson]

The dictionary defines "grace" as "the freely given, unmerited favor and love of god."(1) The Koran says: "Let the People of the Book recognize that they have no control over the grace of God; that grace is in His hands alone, and that He vouchsafes it to whom He will." (2)

One form of grace originates in nature. This is not surprising as the natural world is the creation or manifestation of divinity.

In these latter-day,
Degenerate times,
Cherry-blossoms everywhere! (3)

Issa

Issa recognizes that whatever people may do, the natural world offers solace, or a reprieve. It's important to note that Issa explicitly acknowledges that the gifts of nature are offered to all people, irrespective of their character—and whether their actions be virtuous or "degenerate."

Grace can also be transmitted from fellow human beings—family and friends, acquaintances and strangers.

Christmas Eve—
under the car's hood
a stranger (4)

Glenn Coats

Grace is an immensely popular concept—and no wonder. Because, from our perspective, there is no discernible logic to it, the idea encourages us to approach the world in an open, receptive way. We cannot know when we will be visited by grace. We await those moments when we—irrespective of everything—experience the gift.

Has the idea of grace cropped up in your haiku? It is not unusual to hear artists describe their art as a "gift" received from another source; this can sometimes be understood in the context of grace. Have you had this experience? Although common to the major religions, the notion of grace is very popular in the United States and the West. Have you found differences in the idea and how it's elaborated in Western haiku and haiku from other parts of the world?


Notes

(1) http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grace. Accessed August 7, 2010.

(2) The Koran: With Parallel Arabic Text (London: Penguin Books, 2000), 540.

(3) R.H. Blyth, Haiku: Spring (Volume II) (Hokuseido, 1960), 346.

(4) A New Resonance 6: Emerging Voices in English-Language Haiku, ed. Jim Kacian and Dee Evetts (Winchester, VA: Red Moon Press, 2009), 24.

[AlanSummers]

Glenn Coats is one of my favourite poets and you can find many of his works at The Heron's Nest (and elsewhere).

Glenn's work can also be seen at the Haiku Registry: http://www.thehaikufoundation.org/resources/poet-details/?IDclient=719

I don't know if my own haiku fits here, but I felt grace at the time of this funeral, which was my father's but has given solace to others who have suffered bereavement, and needed some grace in their lives:


the rain
almost a friend
this funeral

Alan Summers


Publications credits:
Azami #28 (1995); Snapshots 4 (1998); First Australian online Anthology (October 1999): Blithe Spirit article On minimalism and other things  DJ Peel Vol 9 No.3 (1999); tempslibre (2001); Cornell University, Mann Library, U.S.A. "Daily Haiku" (Oct 2001); The Omnibus Anthology, haiku and senryu  (Hub Editions Hub Haiku series 2001); Hidden (British Haiku Society Anthology 2002); The New Haiku (Snapshot Press, 2002); First Australian Haiku Anthology (2003); BeWrite.net  (2003); Birmingham Words Magazine Issue 3 (Autumn 2004); seven magazine feature: "Three lines of simple beauty"  (2006); tempslibre (2010)

Award credit:
Highly Commended, Haiku Collection Competition, (Snapshot Press 1998)
Joint 9th Best of Issue, Snapshot Five (1999)

[DavidGrayson]

Alan,

I love the poem. The presence of water (in this case, rain) is significant, I think. Passage through water often signifies a transition. Baptism is an example.

[carmensterba]

After the earthquake in Haiti, amid destruction and death, people were found alive long after anyone imagined their could still be life under the rubble. For the rescuers, friends and family, each person found was a gift of merciful grace.

island earthquake
from under the rubble
a woman's song

Carmen Sterba

[DavidGrayson]

Hi Carmen,

I like your haiku. It also serves as a reminder of what Haiti continues to go through.

I was also thinking that it might be nice to find someone to translate it into Haitian French.

David

[carmensterba]

Hi Carmen,

I like your haiku. It also serves as a reminder of what Haiti continues to go through.

I was also thinking that it might be nice to find someone to translate it into Haitian French.

David

Thanks for thinking of that, David, I'd appreciate it. Your reply caused me to search for more
about her and found that her name is Ginette Sainfort and her song was "Don't be afraid of death, God is Here."
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/One-Year-Later-Singing-Quake-Survivor-113388304.html

Carmen