This Post Has 59 Comments

1. Dear Lori Minor, Kathrine Zajkowski,
   Such wonderful contributors in this interesting blog. Congratulations to all those featured.
   with regards
   S.Radhamani

2. uncertainty
   how long will the heart
   and breath tango
   .
   Minal Sarosh
   .
   Loved tango at the end. Life requires so many physical and emotional systems to work together.
   *
   eyes to read
   breath to write
   an earth to flourish
   .
   wendy c. bialek
   .
   Brief and can represent the power of the pen in “to flourish”.
   *
   first day of retirement…
   the jigsaw pieces
   fall into place
   .
   Theresa A. Cancro
   .
   I enjoyed the double meaning here. Time to finish that puzzle, and all the life choices and planning that leads up to that day finally fall into place.
   *
   perhaps
   they’ll return at my window
   the sparrows gran loved
   .
   arvinder kaur
   .
   Lovely. Hoping for the health and return of the birds, while remembering the gran.

   1. thanks for your comments on all these poems, debbie.

      i meant “flourish” in all ways you can wonder about!

      knowing that without our earth’s survival….nothing else matters.

      with it then all and endless possibilities exist to expand and grow and ……..

3. I absolutely am enjoying the spirited conversation that has been born from the posts of poems in this series….of lori minor…in addition to the opportunity to place into poignant words the issues that are of concern.
   *
   thank you lori for including mine and giving this series.
   *
   I have been busy learning the art of renku, and trying to heal from an upper-resp. infection….and just turned in on the haiku dialogue to read, and respond….and see what’s up….
   .
   yes,
   i can never separate myself from my heart-felt environmental responsibilities for the time i have left on this earth.
   doing all i can do to keep it fit to sustain life.
   *
   my question, (i pose to autumn and gary but not limited to them) is after/should/when/ the time comes and this world “is” clean and green…..who will teach us to live peaceably on it?

   *
   my next submitted poem (before reading the new dialogues between gary and autumn) ironically, appears to address gently, this issue.

4. John Hawkhead’s contribution:

   season’s turn
   walking along the old dust road
   into winter

   has a traditional approach using a natural setting to express his views of the future. “the old dust road” – a country setting that could be in any part of the world. “season’s turn” – most areas of the world have some kind of seasonal change, and most have a winter of sorts. This haiku has the most universal resonance.

   Judith Hishikawa

5. Christmas surprise
   Snow White watch
   the box empty

   1. is this for next week?

6. Midnight Mass
   falling asleep against
   dad’s damp coat

   1. is this too, for next week?

7. Dear Loris, Thank you for your work on this project and for selecting my haiku The prompt “where do you want to be in ten years” called me. I was born near Mt Shasta: an active, high alert volcano hosting glaciers and the headland waters for the Sacramento River. So besides checking for climate change (sea of clouds is a summer kigo in California) and whatever might be falling I was going home. Appreciation to you both for your inspiration.

8. my thanks to Lori Zajkowski and Lori A Minor for appreciating my work and for the wonderful commentary that accompanies it, congratulations to Olivier and Shloka and all the participants

9. Reading these, one would not think the world faced a climate emergency. Such optimism! Haiku poets here seem to live in a world or their own.

   ten years from now
   Greta ten years closer
   to the end

   1. Hey, Garry–in case you missed it, you might want to go back and check out the HAIKU DIALOGUE – Social Issues – Climate Change feature here :

      https://www.thehaikufoundation.org/2019/12/04/wednesday-dec-4-post/

      After a couple months of reading poets’ posts here, I’m pretty sure it’s safe to assume that most of us are in knots about the Climate Emergency 24/7. The criteria for this Next Ten Years Call seemed to point us inward, towards more personal reflection. Other poems which concerned the the Climate Crisis may have been submitted; but those chosen reflect the curator’s criteria and sensibilities.
      *
      That said, I really like your senryu. Greta is my hero for our times. Seeing her standing next to my life-long hero, Jane Goodall (whom I’ve personally met on two occasions, having served as a founder and coordinator for one of her Roots and Shoots Youth Groups) was occasion for celebration. Age wise, if I placed myself between them, we could represent a sort of Triple Goddess–Maiden, Mother, Crone.
      *
      Make no mistake, if Mother Earth is to be healed, it will be by the Feminine. Hell hath no fury…like Greta Thunberg.
      *
      Thank you for calling to mind the Climate Crisis with such a powerful poem.
      *
      ~Autumn

      1. autumn….i hear your passion, but wonder, does it really matter what the gender is?

         i am just looking for the right person for the job…..

         i would not vote for someone based on gender/nationality/religion/sexual preference/colour of skin/ age/etc…..no matter how messed up and dusty the globe he has handed to me!
         *
         michael jackson surely sang a good song…but he couldn’t unfortunately, heal himself.
         *
         when people of the pita movement bite on other people’s heads to protect “animal” rights
         *
         when religion after religion kill people on the grounds of religious beliefs
         *
         when abortion centers become targets on the born in the name of protecting the unborn
         *
         this kind of protest is it the answer?
         *
         how do we become examples for the behavior we want….without repeating behavior we don’t want?

         1. No, the gender doesn’t matter. By “the feminine,” I do not mean “a woman,” but a way of being. In the study of the Tao de Jing and the I Ching, the Taiji (also called the YinYang) represents the energies of the masculine Yang and the feminine Yin (the Two born of the One). The Yang is the active, creative energy associated with Heaven (not in the Christian sense, but in the “realm of light” sense–think about how all life on Earth relies upon the sun). The Yin is the nurturing, receptive energy associated with the Earth (the dark place where the seed is nurtured so that it can be born and grow). They are both ever-present and necessary, and they are meant to be brought into proper balance with one another, as is appropriate to the situation–sometimes more Yin is called for, other times, more Yang.
            *
            Similarly , in Jungian thought, we each contain both energies–women have an inner masculine (Animus), men and inner feminine (Anima). Wholeness demands we embrace and honor both sides. Unfortunately, our primary (and in particular Western) way of being in the world has been long-dominated by a controlling, conquering masculine that is not in proper relation to its own inner feminine. This needs to be brought back into balance, not by “putting a woman in charge,” but by having each individual take responsibility for bringing their own inner Self into proper balance and by cultivating a conscious, connected way of being in the world.
            *
            Much more could be said, but the important part is that it is not gender I am getting at here. And I’m certainly not touting “feminism” or proposing a “right person for the job.” My feeling about that is that the “right person for the job” (if you’re indicating the US presidency) will not be on the ticket for either of the major parties. To my mind, those slots are bought and paid for by interests that do not include the well-being of the planet. There is no outside Candidate or Superman who is going to come and rescue us from ourselves. We need to do the inner work as individuals, but do it collectively.
            *
            If the inner work is done, we will again be in proper relationship not only to our Selves, and to one another, but to the Earth that gave us life. Peace will be a natural extension of that relationship. Jane Goodall is a beautiful example of someone who is in proper relation to herself, to those with whom she shares this planet, and to the Earth itself. Greta is on her way. Each is self-possessed, driven by compassion and has a presence which extends energetically outward to encompass others. I’ve encountered one other individual in my life who had a similar all-encompassing compassion, and it was the Dalai Llama (whom I went to see speak in Hawaii when I was living there). It is that kind of presence I believe we each need to cultivate.
            *
            I hope that makes sense and answers your concerns.
            *
            ~Autumn

            1. i feel better now….knowing gender doesn’t matter to you…autumn.
               but curious if you plan to vote…after what you believe about party, etc.
               i do agree that doing my part matters….but wouldn’t it help some if the next to occupy the wh at least believed in science fact/climate change, etc.?
               i know i could breathe easier if chemical pollutants were gone!

            2. I agree with all of this–but the apes are still endangered, and Greta has stirred people up to strike, but hasn’t gotten any substantive results on emission draw-down from world leaders. New drilling is going forward all over the world and carbon is higher than ever–and projected to keep rising.
               Something just isn’t working. Where I am, I haven’t even been able to get one bookstore to stop handing out plastic bags–though a majority of the staff is deeply pained by having to keep giving them out. The Xmas rush is in full swing, with all the usual excess, waste, and unsustainable ways. I don’t see anything changing. The hopeful notes are few and small and far between and I’m having trouble not collapsing in pessimism. I want to think haiku is helping, but not sure even of that.

            3. Dear Autumn (and Wendy), I have recently been asking women to consider whether they really feel they are going to get a fair hearing under the current structures, and if not, to consider whether a women-focused political party might be one potential solution. It’s easy for me to ask the question (and I may very well vote for the answer) but others need to “own” it and think it through. Good luck.

         2. sorry meant peta organization/ not pita!

      2. Thank you Autumn! I believe that the feminine will save us all if she only finally has a voice. Meanwhile, we must accept the unity of s/he.

         1. peggy:
            .
            can you explain to me about this “voice” and how is it being prevented?
            .
            also what do you mean by the “unity of s/he”

   2. oooops! garry, i spelled your name, incorrectly, my bad!!! please accept my apologies!

      wendy

   3. Garry Eaton this indeed is a serious problem….and might be the very death to us all!
      Thanks to this kind of sharing…may we continue to grab the ears, hearts, and minds of all,
      wake the sleepers….and inspire all to do their best to be kind, and considerate of our world and the people that rely on it.

      thank you for yours,
      wendy

10. eyes to read
    breath to write
    an earth to flourish
    .
    wendy c. bialek
    .
    Some basic wants are expressed in this poem on both the individual level and on the global level.

    1. yes, valentina, thank you for pointing this out.
       *
       ( i would also think of them as blessed gifts and human rights that are in constant jeopardy.)

11. in a decade
    not decayed
    trampoline
    .
    Ronald K. Craig
    .
    We all want to be bouncing high during the next ten years especially the senior crowd.

    1. Thank you, Valentina. Always attempting to touch the sky! Ron

12. Lori, thank you for this collection.

    Two selections that especially touched me –

    birthday candles
    another wish to fade
    her pain

    Rich Schilling

    How many of us have wanted to “wish away the pain” of a loved one. Simple and poignant.

    …………………..

    grave site selected
    who will receive the medals
    great-grandfather earned

    Pris Campbell

    Like Pris, I look at heirlooms and wonder which – if any – family member might cherish them. Will the story behind them survive?

    1. Thanks for commenting on mine!

13. Another marvellous collection, Lori, congratulations to all poets.
    .
    moon viewing
    and other important things
    retirement
    .
    Rehu Kovavic
    .
    Love the simplicity of this verse, it conveys, for me, that it is more often than not, the little everyday things that cost nothing or very little that give the most pleasure in life. Lovely verse, Rehu.
    .
    next ten years
    becoming a mother
    to my mother
    .
    Richa Sharma
    .
    I think this verse can relate to so many people, in the past, present and future.
    I’ve been there, so this verse resonates. Bitter sweet, a wonderful verse Richa.
    .
    final party plans complete
    .
    Margaret Walker
    .
    Oow! Margaret this can be read in different ways, this sprung to my mind, final plans for retirement or a funeral?
    Nice one 🙂

    1. Carol –

       Thank you for your comment to my “final party”. I hoped it could be interpreted in several ways.

       Margaret Walker

       1. My pleasure, Margaret.

    2. Thank you Carol for appreciating my poem. It is the simple things that actually mean the most.

       1. Appreciate your reply, Rehn. Peace and goodwill.

14. Christmas cookies
    cooling on the rack
    without you

15. Christmas holiday
    mother’s shadow here
    the aroma of wax

16. thank you for including mine – honored and thrilled
    twice-fired senior woman 🙂

17. forget what
    the future holds
    snowflakes

    Olivier Schopfer, Switzerland

    I took this to mean, probably incorrectly, that what one hopes and wishes for in the future is as ephemeral and unattainable as capturing a snowflake.
    There is also another meaning to ‘snowflake’ (urban dictionary). From a psychological/philosophical point of view, taken a step or two beyond, I appreciated all three possible interpretations.

    1. I also got something about global warming from this (a fourth interpretation?), something like who knows what the future holds but whatever it is it ain’t gonna be snowflakes.

18. Hopeful, poignant, uplifting, and sad…lots of different haiku for the decade to come.

    I loved Autumn Noelle’s haiku about finally getting paid to write…It so fits me (and others, I imagine).

    Mine refers back to my previous haiku last week.

    1. Thank you for commenting on my senryu, Nancy. And many thanks to Lori as well for including it here!
       *
       Sadly, it’s probably all-too-universal! I’m sure it’s not lost on anyone that my intention is tongue-in-cheek, as pay-for-poetry will likely be as much a pipe dream in the future as it is at present. I mainly found it entertaining to consider that when I’m finally old enough to collect Social Security, I will be able to continue staying home to write while actually receiving enough of a stipend to eat, too!
       *
       Imagine that… ; )
       *
       Autumn

19. Thank you Lori for your comments and selections. We all engage with future gazing in different ways…this was a worthwhile pause to ponder, write and read about. Mark Meyer’s haiku clicked for me probably as it seems to echo my own thoughts about personal and global decade(s) to come:
    .
    the endgame —
    leaving a dying planet
    for another world
    .
    Mark Meyer

    1. Ditto
       With the utter failure that was COP25, I took a look at this profoundly moving work of art, the film Human’s Voice by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, which I believe every decision maker should be asked to watch. Stunning photography, beautiful music and vocals.
       If you have more than a moment to spare, do please take a look at :
       youtube.com/watch?v=uog4eCZTUX4

       1. Thank you, Ingrid, for this mention of a fairly recent film in the Human series. I hope to take a look at it in the near future.

    2. Thank you, Janice. Perhaps my contribution was a bit on the “dark” side for some, but there is always hope for the survival of this world & its flora & fauna.

       1. You are most welcome Mark. I find hope in knowing or acknowledging both the “dark” and the “light”… I still have hope for this planet, but sadly for some species extinction has occurred or is in progress.

       2. No, not dark, Mark, just possibly a very sad truth, and one that makes me shudder.
          .
          Above, Wendy C. Bialek says the words—
          how do we become examples of the behaviour we want without repeating behaviour we don’t want.
          .
          Now there’s sentence to ponder on. And brought back an interview I listened to on R4
          A discussion on the search for a habitable plant,
          The interviewer asked ‘Would we respect any habitable planet investigate it with the lightest of ‘footprint’
          The reply ‘In the first instance, yes, but that would all depend on what would be found’
          .
          Well, there we have it, Wendy, doesn’t look as if we’ll be saving this planet or any other any time soon or changing our ways.
          .
          A handful of people talking about ‘saving the planet’ – and its not he planet we are saving, there’s nothing wrong with the planet, it has witnessed many catastrophic events, the likes we can only imaging, and will never see- it is ourselves, so it is ‘us’ as a whole. But I doubt that will ever happen.
          It didn’t happen over forty years ago, when the first alarm bell were rung, we’re still developing carriageways and clearing areas for more and more houses, WE are the problem, so maybe a reduction in that direction should be our first plan of attack.

    3. Janice I very much appreciated your
       .
       final decade(s)
       downsizing to zero
       emissions
       .
       Like Garry I do wonder what the future holds and what future generations will think about our tiny verses from the early decades of this century ….

20. in a decade
    not decayed
    trampoline
    .
    Ronald K. Craig
    .
    Succint, joyous, and poetic. Congratulations.

    1. Thanks for the “poetic” compliment!
       Ron

21. first step on Mars
    my bucket list
    grows longer

    John Green

    This one by John made me smile.
    If only John, I’d have seat number 2.

22. perhaps
    they’ll return at my window
    the sparrows gran loved

    ( sparrows have become extinct in north India due to mindless urbanisation and lack of emotional connect )

    arvinder Kaur
    Chandigarh, India
    **
    Very touched by this one. Over the years the flocks of sparrows that used to congregate all around me–and even nest, brood, and fledge on my window ledge–have dwindled to smaller and smaller groups, What used to be such a cheery chattery time is now too quiet and still–except when the silence is blasted away by leaf blowers and other anti-nature artillery.
    Arvidner, I hope the birds come back to you! So hard to live in this world sometimes.

    1. Thanks Laurie! I am so glad this resonated with you so well . We all do live in a world of shared experiences wherever we might be. Much love to you.

    2. Hi, Laurie,
       *
       Love the genius phrase (hidden monoku?) you’ve tucked into your paragraph:
       *
       leaf blowers and other anti-nature artillery
       *
       Boy, can I relate. The person who owns the VRBO–vacational rental by owner–cottage next to our cabin actually had a guy leaf-blowing the snow off the ROOF last weekend. In the mountains, no less. And here I thought snowy rooftops was part of the aesthetic charm… It’s interesting to me that it is rarely we year-round residents making mechanical racket. Whenever the temporary summer residents start pouring in, the “anti-nature artillery” ratchets up. I’m always tempted to walk around and introduce my part-time neighbors to a wondrous near-silent invention: the broom.
       *
       I also really appreciated your haiku:
       *
       pollinator garden
       a future on the scale
       of a butterfly’s wings
       *
       Laurie Greer
       Washington DC
       *
       I like the way it focuses us on a simple, do-able difference we can make as individuals by planting pollinator-friendly gardens. I also like the potential reference to the “butterfly effect” of a small action having a large impact down the road (which could be looked at in both its positive and negative environmental sense here). Finally, your use of the word “scale” is very astute, as butterfly wings are covered in tiny feather-like scales; that meaning doubles with the measurement meaning of “scale” to expand the overall meaning of the poem.
       *
       Thank you for contributing such a thoughtful haiku!
       *
       ~Autumn

       1. Autumn–
          Thanks for your close reading! I did try to pack in all the things you so nicely unpacked. And I really do intend to start a pollinator garden; not sure I know what I’m doing, but for the insects’ sake–have to try.

23. Hi Lori and Kathy,

    For some reason even though I submitted my haiku in plenty of time last week it does not appear here? This happened two weeks ago also. Must have been a glitch. I will post it here what I had submitted for Turn of the Decade – Next Ten Years:

    Monday morning
    uninterrupted dreams
    the silent dawn

    – Sari Grandstaff, Saugerties, NY

    1. Nor does mine appear. I assumed it was an editorial decision, although I have enjoyed reciting it all week.

       1. we have moved away from ‘Poet’s Choice’ to a selection by the guest editor for now…
          thanks for your understanding, kj

          1. Oh, yes, I understand now. I did not realize this change. When two weeks ago my haiku did not appear then last week it was there and then this week it did not appear again I thought cyberthings were going awry. Got it now and thank you again!

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