stone path... (and other Zen Haikus)

Zen Haikus differ from the traditional westernized Haikus that have syllabic requirements. The Japanese practice this form of Zen Haiku which is more about content and form than syllables, and which seeks kensho (moments of enlightenment).

Please enjoy, and pause to think about the scene and contrasts clashed or separated by each to feel the kensho.


the stone path wanders
meandering through the garden
yet it does not move


                   


an owl towers on a high pole
spying for movement
cat with wings


                   


eagle rises gliding
invisible drafts lift up
father teaches son to fish


                   


seasons merge effortlessly
reproduction cycles
powers of procreation


                   


patience is a virtue?
when I change lanes
the other one moves faster


                   


long dusty lines without measure
the sick apart in a desert place
the healer works on his patience


                   


broken buildings fall in trembling earth
dust rises, spreads its wings
an indifferent sun illuminates it all


                   


building future piles of rubble
structures that touch the sky
destroyed by hate and anger


                   


building high and lofty structures
to reach the underside of space
future piles of rubble


                   


dragon flies hover in reeds
frogs intently watch
the heron has a meal


                   


the pen of zen writes
seeking life's lone language
the sower sows seed


                   

These last two were written after the VA Tech tragedy.


rampage of derision
the scythe recklessly swung
but the time of harvest was not yet


                   


the vibrant blooming flowers
just opening to the sun
cut down for a centerpiece