Scattered petals

in the vibrant grass
scattered blossom petals;
cookie crumb sweetness

....-Andromeda Jazmon

Every spring when the cherry trees burst into bloom I go a little crazy with my camera. I can't stop trying to capture that delicate beauty. But after hundreds of photos I start to think there is nothing new to shoot. I worry that it will become redundant. Then when I take up the camera and go out under the trees and start really looking through the lens I find a new angle, a new slant of light. Yesterday I was entranced by the scattering of petals in the newly green spring grass. Up close, through the lens, they didn't look that special. But in the background, blurred through the bokeh effect, they start to evoke the feeling of transience and mystery that such brief beauty brings me. That kind of sweetness also found in the special cookies that only come after considerable effort - the ones rarely but intensely enjoyed. When even the crumbs that fall down your sweater are mourned...

One of the styles of haiku that I really enjoy is called "haibun". Sometimes it's a travel  journal, like Basho's Narrow Road to the Deep North, with description of the travels of the poet and little stories interspersed with haiku. In my case I am thinking of adding a little background to each of my haiga this month, to share where the inspiration comes from. It's not my usual MO, as I like to be brief and let the haiga stand on its own, but I am discovering it can add to the richness of the conversation with readers when the backstory is shared. I really love hearing your reactions, thoughts, shared stories... so I'll see where this takes me.

There are many other poets and bloggers celebrating National Poetry Month. Here is the full list at KidlitosphereCentral. Take some time to enjoy the celebration!

Today you can check out the Friday Poetry round up at Book Aunt.

Since it's Good Friday I'll be taking some time out for quiet reflection, but remember that Easter Sunday's a-comin' - grab some of that joy!