SENRYU 0036

On glass pond— I peek—
ripples begin to appear—
oblivion waits

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

SILENCE

Peek—
starlight twinkle’s
ethereal silent whisper

comfort
sticky black ink
speaking hushed words—

deep
aching homesick screams
silent terrifying loneliness

forever
stepping— falling—
through self’s abyss

crimson
dawn catches—
silence

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

SENRYU 0035

Listening for not
I peek into the shadow
Brilliant harmony

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

SENRYU 0034

Our enduring love—
Overcoming the hurtful
pervasive hatred

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

SENRYU 0033

Bottom of the swamp
lies a sunken treasure chest—
kindness is the key

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

LOSS

She had always loved
the twinkling lights
upon the tree.

Her eyes now
were still. Dry.
Mine dampened.

Peering into her
seeking the familiar joy,
I found only a fading spark.

Her tongue was parched.
Her lips cracked…
Mine quivered.

My cheeks glistened
as I failed
to hold back tears.

My throat tightened
as it choked
on swallowed salt.

Her courageous heart
was silent.
Mine pounded… longing to follow.

Gathered with grief,
I am alone…
Christmas, no longer a joy.

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

LOSS— At this moment

At this moment, I feel profound sadness.
Our collective shock and sadness deserve to be
given space and kindness— a pause is needed.
Then again, we can resume loving, healing,
tending to Mother Earth, and truth-telling.

As I have walked my path, I have been shown
the truth that no matter what happens—
everything is ultimately going to be okay.

Now more than ever I honor
my mother,
my grandmother,
and Mother Earth—
Deeper than ever—
I honor indigenous peoples.

LOSS

She had always loved
the twinkling lights
upon the tree.

Her eyes now
were still. Dry.
Mine dampened.

Peering into her
seeking the familiar joy,
I found only a fading spark.

Her tongue was parched.
Her lips cracked…
Mine quivered.

My cheeks glistened
as I failed
to hold back tears.

My throat tightened
as it choked
on swallowed salt.

Her courageous heart
was silent.
Mine pounded… longing to follow.

Gathered with grief,
I am alone…
Christmas, no longer a joy.

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

SENRYU 0032

Rising from the ash—
releasing worry and doubt
of my former self

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

HAIKU 0134

Snowflakes are sleeping
dreaming of a white Christmas—
wildfire ash falling

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

#haiku0134 #QuarterQuadrilleQuaiku

HAIKU 0133

Swirling whistling winds
dance with blushing falling leaves—
exquisite impact

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved