Word Craft Poetry14 Jun 2019

“Cosmic Messages,” #Haibun, Verse Envelope

61 Comments / My Poetry / By Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry / 14 Jun 2019 14 Jun 2019 / Haibun in English, Sonoran Desert, Syllabic Poetry, tanka, Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge

dawn in the desertbird song awakens the dayheat shimmers in waves The sun warms my back, and I gaze at the stark beauty of the Sonoran desert. Thick-trunked Saguaro cactus spread their arms to the sapphire sky as if showing gratitude for another day of being. Verdant green Palo Verde trees filled with saffron blossoms …

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Colleen M. Chesebro—Prose Metrist

Crafting Syllabic Poetry is my Ikigari 💜

One day, I stumbled across the Japanese word Ikigari. After some research, I discovered iki means life. In Japanese, Gai means worth or value. When these words combine, they form the definition of ikigari, which is life’s worth. It’s often translated or interpreted as a reason for getting up in the morning. So, yes, writing syllabic poetry is my ikigari.

I also believe writing syllabic poetry strengthens our writing skills. When we create poetry, we gain command of language; cultivate a healthy vocabulary, master literary devices such as metaphor, simile, alliteration, hyperbole, and allegory. We learn to work in imagery. We connect with our ikigari.

When I’m not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find me digging in my garden, or playing with my two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. I live in East Lansing, Michigan with my husband—my soul mate. Most days you can find me writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜