Aikido Haiku

I would argue that the form of haiku is fundamentally different from the form of aikido. The Japanese language is not like the English language, while the Japanese body and heart seem similar to me. Could anyone offer a reason why the 5, 7, 5 structure is appropriate for English (while obviously a sankyo works on any nationality of wrist).

Respect for tradition is great, and its fun to play with syllables, but ultimately it doesn't matter a jot as far as poetry is concerned. You don't have to earn the write (I mean right) to freedom of expression, its traditions that have to earn respect, by example (and here the western haiku tradition is not so structured) or by reasoned argument. In this respect the pen and sword are not in accord.

Mark

x

Sword and pen,

Hear the chirping birds?

The spring breeze and old pine are one!

and what would it be

this breakfast of champions

named for you, Sensei?

because it is the

form which makes the haiku

different from a poem

Qatana, thank you very much. No - I am a long way from "breakfast of champions" but thanks so much anyways. There was an old diner in downtown LA which flourished in the days of trains and railways and lost a lot of customers when shipping became faster by air. It was called "Nick's" - an old 50's style diner. A friend of mine took it over, a retired detective for the LAPD. Best French toast in town which I used to enjoy - so he named it after me. Haha - "the Kensho Special" -French toast, orange juice and coffee. The old waitress, so friendly, had been there for 35 years before retiring. . . . . It was a great place! Thanks for the memories. . . . .

Old Nick's!

Waiting for the coffee to brew,

A time long ago. . . .

Dear Qatana:

I live in my dojo in Downtown Los Angeles, between Little Tokyo and the Artists' District but very near the old flower and produce markets. Although it is different today, old coffee shops like Nick's served great home style cooking starting about 1:30am in the morning and usually closing down at 9:30am in the morning. Many people, like the general public, never knew these coffee shops even existed! They served the early workers in the central flower and produce markets, city-workers, cops pulling all-nighters, truck drivers from all across the nation - such a down-to-earth, totally friendly bunch of people with no pretentions at all. We all recognized each other and chatted like old friends so early in the morning yet we hardly knew each other's names. In those days, I usually rose at 3:30am, had coffee and returned to the dojo to do my writing and studies. I would meet a few of my students at the temple by 6:00am for sitting meditation and begin my temple chores by 8:00am before the others arrived at 9:00am. Back to the dojo by 4:00pm, to clean-up and start classes. . . . . in bed by midnight. But times changed, downtown changed, my Zen master passed away, other teachers passed away, the dojo became more busy. . . . .

Like an incense stick!

We enjoy Life's fragrance,

As we disappear.

Kensho Furuya wrote: Like an incense stick! We enjoy Life's fragrance, As we disappear.

That is a fantastic haiku.

Drew

Thank you! And best wishes,

Smiling little kids,

Tumbling, stumbling on the mats,

True Aikido!

Ducklings don't walk straight,

Filled with curiosity.

Aikido future!

Late students,

Rushing in so hurriedly,

Dutifully, I frown and growl,

Haha!

Autumn leaf carpet,

Misty drizzle falling. Oops!

Ukemi waza

Autumn leaves!

Taking ukemi, falling. . . .

Better than me!

wet red runny nose

in a hot steamy dojo

still do kokyu-ho

Mr. Runny Nose,

Spreading more "joy" in the dojo?

Ah-choo!

Sorry, couldn't resist! Hahaha!

hiding in blue flowers

black cat takes maai and springs

flying leap ukemi

Kittens train with joy,

Roll all around with big eyes,

Still have sharp claws, Ouch!

one month skip by

ms. runny nose still hangs around

aat~choo!! why no one follows?

fortunately no one got the flu at the dojo - i think due to strong ki :P but everyone in the office got it...

* * *

sun is striking hard

wind is imagination

hit that AC on!

Mr. Runny Nose

Spreading his "ki" in practice,

Why does my head feel so hot?

Haha!

Lately, the weather in Los Angeles is so crazy, one day so hot and the next day so cold. I think the "ki" of our weather here is off!

Spreading his 'nose ki'?!

Reach out and tweak his honker -

Ain't that the zen way?

(Furuya Sensei, I always enjoy your stories and recollections, do please keep them coming...)

Tweaked on the nose,

Get your finger cut off,

Or smacked in the head,

It is all the same in Zen.

Hahahah, just kidding. . . . .

Never chatted with a hamster before,

What a great honor and pleasure!

My best and thanks!

From these red nose clouds

the mat drenched with sweet drizzle;

young clouds unhindered

(apologies to Shitou and Dogen)

White, starched, brand-new gi,

Beginner enters dojo,

Leaves with much respect.

Sorry, couldn't resist, this describes me, since I just began aikido.

Brand new keiko-gi,

Brand new mind,

Shoshin!

Congratulations on entering the Aikido Path!

Summer sun ripens

Blossoms drift through fragrant winds

Smiling red faces

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Taught hand grips white sleeve

Crisp breeze wraps gi clad whirlwind

First breakfall practice

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Cool air fills warm lungs

Fire and ice swim through veins

Hot dojo, cold night