April 17 was International Haiku Poetry Day and in our recent AWC newsletter, we threw out a challenge for our community have a go at writing one, on the subject of AUTUMN.
What is a “haiku”? Well, there are many forms and they have a lot of complexities – but at its SIMPLEST form, it is a three-line Japanese verse that follows a syllable-based rhythm, usually 5-7-5. Word count isn’t important; it’s all about capturing a mood.
Haikus were traditionally written about nature, so our request for poems about autumn fit this nicely. We received many responses to our request and we’re sharing some of our favourites below. We hope you’ll agree that there is a simplicity and beauty about such small, carefully packaged poems like these…
She calls us outside To tumble in crunchy leaves. She's here! Autumn's here! – Angela Heffer
Gentle breezes blow Coloured hues of red and gold cloak the waiting earth. – Mary Serenc
The dying season. Autumn brings a blazing end. The long night begins. – Natasha Illsley
Raindrops on the roof. Golden leaves crunching underfoot. Snuggle with a book. – Ann Southall
Spider webs stroke me In the expanding darkness Of morning dog walks – Rananda Rich
