Creating an awareness through haiku's simplicity

Haiku poetry is reduction sauce transferred from stove top to paper — or these days — screen.

I like the traditional five-seven-five syllable format. Three lines and you've told a story — you've created an awareness. I title mine, but they're often stand alone. Even “poetry phobics” can relax in the simple flow of haiku.

IDAHO MAYBE

Stretching north and south

Finding room for newcomers

The rubber band snaps.

IDAHO CERTAIN

How can I deny

My state of mind to others

Seeking Idahome.

CLIMBING

Thirsty tank needs gas

My eyes scale the numbers

$$$$$

GRIEF LUNCH

Pasta in cream sauce

Olive Garden comfort food

Rain outside makes tears.

WAR

Ukraine is fighting

For the soul of liberty

But we do not look.

FATHER'S DAY

After all these years

How can I think of you gone

When you live in me.

BIBLE

Believing is more

Than knowing words on a page

I met the Author.

CHASE

Robin on the move

Squirrel has a change of plans

This tree occupied.

GRADUATE

Scrawny baby born

Tall young man in cap and gown

Time's a shape shifter.

LOST?

We call, no answer

Boys nine and ten exploring

Please do not disturb.

MY TOWN

Sopping wet in rain

Frozen in place in winter

I will not leave you.

JACKIE ROBINSON

Jeered by the game's stars

Baseball's first Black man endures

A grand slam triumph.

COYOTE

You bombed my binos

Trotting through the tall grasses

On your way to somewhere.

CHOCOLATES

Little paper boats

Harbored in a slender box

I pluck your cargo.

LIGHTNING

Venomous clouds coil

Fiery fangs split the sky

Bite the helpless earth.