Headstall

Oh, I loved Uhtred of Bebbnnburg! *sigh* Great series!

Thank you so much, Paul! Yes, there are truly talented poets on GA, and I am pleased beyond measure you consider me one of those. I love poetry... though I do agree there is a lot of poetry that, personally, I don't connect with... so your reading and leaving me such positive thoughts of mine gives credence to my sometimes tortured efforts. You are very kind.

You're welcome, Geron, and I extend my appreciation for you reading these offerings.

Damn right they did.

There is always hope. Even in "Lessons Learned" there is hope. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, Parker.

Haiku, traditional Haiku, are meant to reflect nature, but that is a broad definition to me. Nature can be our feelings and our desires and our pain... and especially our joy. We as people can claim Nature as our own. Still, I am of the same mind as you and the traditionalists. The beauty of the natural world and what it gives us makes for the best Haiku. "Lessons Learned" is most certainly a rebuke, but more than that, it is a reminder to look beneath the surface. It was a difficult lesson to learn for this old romantic who used to want to see only the good in people, wanting to believe it was there when it so obviously wasn't. At first I wasn't sure it fit with the theme of the anthology, but the more I thought of it, I saw it as one of my most personally impactful explorations. I am pleased you found it worthy, my friend.

Do you think those dudes are doing it?

Time marches on, bro. And another one coming tomorrow.

It is a gorgeous day out, with sun shining and birds singing their praises to the earth mother for the new growth budding. I have developed a cold and am coughing up phlegm, so I must force myself to not get carried away. I cleaned the stall, and the rest of spring chores can wait. I few days ago I moved my horse trough planter to a more sunny spot(bloody thing is heavy) and replaced some of the earth with composted manure, so it is ready for my tomato plants.

Exactly. Some wounds can't be seen, but they are there, and hopefully we learn from them. I carry invisible scars that itch every once in a while, but that is life. If it were always easy, the good times would not be as treasured. Thanks so much, Albert. I love when my poetry connects with readers.

Some of our most valuable lessons come with pain. It takes longer for some to learn to keep our fingers clear of 'hot stoves', and I learned that the hard way. It is sad, so I understand, but there is solace in knowing what you never want again. Appreciate hearing your thoughts as always, my friend. Happy the Haiku were appreciated. I enjoy writing those. Cheers!

Have a great day, all!

Hey, bro and Mum. I hope she is still doing well. Thanks for the lovely comments.

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Hi, Albert. Thanks for the lovely comment. Chapter two has just now posted, and chapter three will post tomorrow.

You might have to throw a ring into the pits of Mordor.

It was a great game. Thanks for the review, buddy. Chapter two posted today, and chapter three should post tomorrow.

Like specters in the night, that pain revisits well past its sensible expiration date. These are my ghosts, these memories that coalesce out of thin air, able to make me reel from the onslaught of their agonies. Not necessarily a bad thing, for they have kept me from making mistakes. Writing is like purging, even if the cleansing is temporary. I like the 'fishing' Haiku too. I don't remember catching anything, but I remember the mud and the minnows around my feet. Thanks, dugh. One more chapter to go... hopefully tomorrow.

Yes, it definitely is. What is wonderful about love is that perfection can come in any form, and it is the feelings we carry and share that makes someone perfect. Your first sentence says that beautifully. The age spot Haiku is a special one for me too. The last time I saw my grandmother, she was constantly rubbing hers, and staring at them as if fascinated. She was a strong, sometimes harsh woman, but I loved her dearly. Peace and love, my friend. Cheers, and thanks for this.

Thank you very much, my dear friend. I'm happy to hear you like these, and found beauty in "The Scenic Route". Haiku are a great way to express thoughts, and I enjoy the conciseness of the form. Cheers... Gary....

Thank you, Chris, very much. As personal as "The Scenic Route" is, it was also fun to write. Haiku is a favorite form of mine at times. Cheers!

Yeah, the scenic route can mean many things to each of us. This poem was inspired by a private moment's jest recalled. So happy to hear you found it playful and sweet. I'm not surprised the second Haiku resonated with you. Thanks for reading, and for your kind words, Adi. Apparently I did something wrong in the posting, so chapter two was posted just now, and chapter three will publish tomorrow if I don't screw it up. Cheers!

Lessons Learned You plied me with guilt And coerced with your plight Took advantage of compassion To feed a need to be right Broken promises lay strewn Amidst real devastation With wisps of good intentions But never compensation No man is an island But you were a continent With a kingdom to rule And this mortal ceding covenant As far as I’ve come The damage still lingers And my soul carr

Thanks, Doc! Happy to hear from you, and glad you liked this Haiku.

A poem is written and hilarity ensues. If you have a sense of humor, read this. If you don't, read it anyway... maybe you'll get one.