A haibun
I, like much of the world, cannot get my mind off of Vladimir Putin’s recent and most hubristic of follies: attacking Russia’s neighbor Ukraine. The new, emerging global realignment portends a dreadful reality for all of humanity, but especially for Putin’s own country; and I cringe inwardly as I write this, for my wife’s entire family lives there. Due to the recently imposed Western sanctions, the Russian ruble has completely collapsed. Millions of Russian families’ life savings have been vaporized.
Honestly, I am stricken with fear at the potential consequences of this insane, horrible, utterly unnecessary war. Yes, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine certainly demands a harsh response; and, yes, Ukraine should receive all freedom-loving countries’ full support. However, what might we reasonably expect to happen when a madman with control over nearly half of the world’s nuclear arsenal is backed into a corner?
adrenaline-warmth
fades upon cold mountain peak
above opaque clouds
d’Verse Haibun Monday: Cold Mountain
At d’Verse, poets were encouraged to write a haibun on either one of the following options:
- A Cold Mountain: the towering heights, frigid temperatures, majestic views, or existential challenges of a mountain. You could even go metaphorical, describing the cold mountain of overwhelming circumstances, or how we make mountains out of mole hills.
- The Cold Mountain: a haibun that follows the influence of Hanshan (Cold Mountain), with his immediacy, concern for humanity, and deep devotion to nature.
Shayโs Word Garden Word List #15
Poets were prompted to use at least 3 of the following 20 words provided in an original poem:
ail; annotation; blossoms; bright; butterflies; cherish; dreadful; ebb; ferry; follies; forget; idiot; lily; lovely; margin; quarrel; rhododendron; stricken; swans; winter
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–Ben Harper (b. 1969)
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It could come to thatโฆโฆ..
โค๏ธ Terveen โค๏ธ
I am not really sure liked is the correct response; I am equally horrified. May the end of this empire be quick, and may the people around it and in it not suffer too long.
๐งก๐ Mat ๐๐งก
Such a fraught situation, and I’m so sorry it has an immediate and personal effect on you and yours, David. The world holds its breath and clutches hope tightly. You’re in my thoughts and prayers, good sir.
๐๐๐ป Mike ๐๐ป๐
Your Haibun is heart stirring and lovely David.
๐๐ Carrie ๐๐
heartsick and so sad for you and your wife and her relatives.. sending love and praying for all of us! ๐๐๐๐๐
๐โค๏ธ Cindy โค๏ธ๐
๐๐๐
All you said resonates. Your haiku is striking.
๐งก๐ Joy ๐๐งก
What a terrible predicament! Innocent people paying for one man’s folly. ๐ข
๐ฆ
The news seems to get worse each day – so many people suffering because of this madman.
๐ Marion ๐
A cold mountain we are on indeed.
๐ข qbit ๐ข
It is madness really… I thought the word ‘war’ was never going to appear in history books anymore. Enter Putin. ๐
๐ฆ ๐ฆ Diana ๐ฆ ๐ฆ
Your haiku is stunning. ๐ That burst of energy does it take us over the peak or even to it? I loved your wise musings, David. Thanks for sharing this with us.
๐๐ KK ๐๐