thinkALONG! 7 April 2026

A TUESDAY FEATURE

hosts: Padma Rajeswari, K. Ramesh

guest editor: Aashna Goyal

Only the unpublished poems (that are never published on any social media platform/journals/anthologies) posted here for each prompt will be considered for Triveni Haikai India's monthly journal -- haikuKATHA, each month.

Poets are requested to post poems (haiku/senryu) that adhere to the prompts/exercises given.

Only 1 poem to be posted in 24 hours. Total 2 poems per poet are allowed each week (numbered 1,2). So, revise your poems till 'words obey your call'.

Responses are usually a mixture of grain and chaff. The poet has to be discerning about what to take for the final version of the poem or the unedited version will be picked up for the journal.

The final version should be on top of the original version for selection.

Poetry is a serious business. Give you best attempt to feature in haikuKATHA !!

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Beautiful village life

“There is money to be made in the market place, but under the cherry tree there is rest.”

— Ruskin Bond

Countryside life is often overlooked, yet it holds a quiet, timeless beauty, away from the chaos of the city, calm, simple, and deeply peaceful. To capture that charm, here are a few lines from The Deserted Village by Oliver Goldsmith. Draw inspiration from them and write a haiku reflecting the gentle moments of countryside/village life.You may also share your personal experience.

The Deserted Village

By Oliver Goldsmith

Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain,

Where health and plenty cheered the labouring swain,

Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid,

And parting summer's lingering blooms delayed,

Dear lovely bowers of innocence and ease,

Seats of my youth, when every sport could please,

How often have I loitered o'er thy green,

Where humble happiness endeared each scene!

How often have I paused on every charm,

The sheltered cot, the cultivated farm,

The never-failing brook, the busy mill,

The decent church that tops the neighbouring hill,

The hawthorn bush, with seats beneath the shade,

For talking age and whispering lovers made!

Quote Source : https://www.businessapac.com/ruskin-bond-quotes/

Poem Source : https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44292/the-deserted-village