writeALONG 29 July 2025

A TUESDAY FEATURE

hosts: Padma Rajeswari, K. Ramesh

guest editor: Kanjini Devi

Only the unpublished poems (that are never published on any social media platform/journals/anthologies) posted here for each prompt will be considered for Triveni Haikai India's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

If a poet wants feedback, then the poet must mention 'feedback welcome' below each poem that is being posted.

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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Māori gods, or atua, are supernatural beings that represent aspects of the natural world and the human experience.  Their stories explain the origins of the universe, people, and natural phenomena from a Māori worldview.  This week, we look for inspiration from Rongomātāne, god of agriculture and peace.  He is also the protector of crops, especially sweet potato (known as kumara in New Zealand).

https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/11542/gods-of-the-natural-world

At the end of every yoga class, my students and I chant Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi.  What does peace look like to you?  Surely, when humanity learns to exist in harmony, there will be peace.

The prompt for your haiku/senryu this week is peace or any of the other aspects presided over by Rongo.  Here are some examples:-

Intermittent rain –

no need at all to worry

over rice seedlings

Basho (tr. Sam Hamill)

across the valley

a tractor's floodlights

plough the dark

C.X. Turner

the price of kumara on the rise matariki

Sandra Simpson