The NaPoWriMo prompt at Read Write Poem called for reflections on rites of passage. I already wrote one poem on my son’s coming of age ceremony (bratabandha) in Nepal. I’ve also written a long chapter on it in the ethnographic memoir I’m finishing. So the Poetic Asides call for a haiku inspired me to explore a different angle on life passages. I wasn’t able to work in a seasonal aspect (unless insider knowledge about when my son turned twenty one counts). Any thoughts on how important that is for modern haiku?
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Grand Canyon Senryu
My son, twenty one.
I stand, at last, on the rim
of the Grand Canyon.
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Neatly written!
It’s a senryu if it’s with human nature as what you’ve written. Haiku focuses on nature.
I myself am practicing haiku and senryu for this entire year. By the end of 2009, I will have over 365 haiku and senryu. You are welcome to visit my Twitter page: http://twitter.com/alotus_poetry
I actually like your senryu very much.
The “rim” of the canyon has many connotations.
A-Lotus – Thanks for the clarification. I was not aware of that distinction and am eager to learn more. I will visit your page. Perhaps I should rename my poem now.
Oh, wow. I’m standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon, too. Awed and scared at the same time. :0)
There is nothing like the Grand Canyon and children leaving the next to put our lives in perspective.
This is awesome! I also enjoyed your poem ‘Initiation’ and will follow up your other links. My eldest grandson is half Taiwanese so I have a personal interest in children with mixed cultures. R is at an international school in Switzerland where my son teaches, and is being educated in French.
I love haiku, or should I say, senyru, as very few of mine mention the seasons.
Thank you for the comments, Carole. It’s been an education for me to be part of an multicultural, international family and wonderful for my son to have diverse perspectives in language, culture, history.