Haiku

I rely on two sources for my daily dose of news: The New York Times and NPR. Due to travel and study and family history, I am committed to staying engaged with the world at large and the events on the global as well as local stage that trickle down to impact each of us in ways both big and small. Just like voting, I think it is the responsibility of a citizen to stay informed. And, I have a deep and abiding respect for hard nosed and thorough journalism, essential to a healthy democracy, which both of these news agencies provide.

At times, however, I admit I do tune out for a week or two. The news is far too dire, my spirits fall, and I lose perspective: too much conflict, too much poverty, too much corruption. I need to find a bit of hope, a little laugh, some inspiration to step outside of the box. No surprise, my news sources often come to the rescue and didn't disappoint this time either.

In April, The New York Times sent out a call for haiku. What better way to celebrate spring than with some poetry! I love the way an artistic endeavor can inspire and lift one's soul. When I opened the newspaper on Sunday, I found just what I needed: thought-provoking and playful verse in the tradition of the 17 syllable Japanese poems. The haiku thawed my mood and inspired me to write one of my own:

write poetry first

when words and deeds seem feeble

for art must live on