Christmas Haikus

Christmas is upon us in all its hurly-gurdy glory. I paused and took a breath when I remembered this haiku I stumbled upon many years ago. It is written by Vancouver poet, Luci Shaw, inspired by a falling chestnut during an advent walk.

Behind me - a thud

on a sidewalk, padded with

leaves like open hands.

I turn. It is like

a key. The jade womb unlocks

birthing you at my feet.

New as a baby

you hold the heavy secrets

of growing, dying.

Now fingered and shrunk

your Fall gloss faded, you look

as spent as I feel,

But still you ride my

raincoat pocket - Christ's coal for

my five cold fingers.

I wrote my own haiku poem for the season, based on Christmas preparations, namely housework.

Cleaning and primping

my house, an old lady rouged

for Sunday meeting.

Christmas guests to come

and a proper impression

to be made, hidden.

Is the imperfect

of hearth/home and all I touch

with my clumsy self.

It shines. It warms and

gives forth in grand syle, not in-

authentic, nice!

Martha maria

Yet all I long to be is

set in light and form.