Recently, I’ve been writing haiku and using the word in my artwork. Today, I’ll share a few of the poems. They focus on our interrelatedness in the world, our actions and intentions and how our small daily acts can impact humanity as a whole.
These haikus are on long, skinny paintings I call “Totems.” Because the substrate is so long, I’ve written multiple haiku “stanzas” on one piece of art. Because of this, one haiku can be multi-versed.
As I wrote these, I was emerging from a darker place, into a space of light. You can see the progression. Maybe you’re in a similar place, or you can relate more easily to one of them. I hope you enjoy.
The Dichotomy
The dichotomy.
Your power and strength will win.
Be fair and gentle.
Being strong or soft,
you are capable of both.
the world watches you.
Unfortunately,
whichever path you may choose
some will condemn you.
When we see the worth
Of both our strength and softness
Wisdom will prevail.
Garden
For full, joy-filled lives
Ten your best relationships.
They’re your heart’s garden.
Friends and Neighbors
They are right next door.
We share the details of life.
Our friends and neighbors.
Write Your Music
A song in my heart
plays loud for the world to hear.
Music for our ears.
Play notes high and low,
that’s the way our lives go.
Write your own music.
Feel free to leave a comment, or your own haiku in the space below. If you would like to see more haiku in paintings visit my art website or, if you’re able, come to the reception of the opening at Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, Friday, September 16th from 5:30-7:00.
Enjoying the Poetry of Life,
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Michelle Andres is a writer and artist who cultivates her own Well 
Lived Life by drinking in the beauty around her, following her passion, respecting others and doing her best to own her own dookie.
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10 Comments
September 3, 2016 at 5:06 pm
Not only are you haikus wonderful Michelle – but I SO love your practice! The idea of “totem” paintings and mulitple verses just delights my soul.
In the past I often wrote a seasonal haiku on the equinoxes and solstices to put on a weathergram and hang outside. I haven’t done that in a while, but you’ve totally inspired me to do it again.
I’m glad to hear things are shifting and you’re emerging from that darker place. May September be a beautiful blessing for you.
September 3, 2016 at 5:56 pm
Thank you for the blessing, Deborah. I’d love to read one of your seasonal haikus. I’m enjoying my practice very much – but realized these totems are several paintings in one. Now, I’m ready for a breather! 🙂
September 3, 2016 at 8:19 pm
The Totem colour combinations and designs are magnificent and I love the various haiku poems, especially Garden~
September 3, 2016 at 8:35 pm
Thanks, Catherine! There will be many totems together in an installation at my art exhibit. Lots of haikus!
September 3, 2016 at 10:03 pm
How lovely to have multiple creative outlets/ I love your haiku!
September 4, 2016 at 2:16 am
Thank you, Carol!
September 7, 2016 at 12:20 am
I haven’t thought of haiku’s since school. What a wonderful idea to include them in your paintings, Michelle. We all traverse those dark paths at times. Curiously, I’m looking to get back into art to combat some of mine. I look forward to following what you choose to share on your journey.
September 7, 2016 at 1:59 am
Thank you, Nanette. I would love to see some of your art. What do you do?
September 12, 2016 at 2:46 am
These haikus are lovely…and your totem is beautiful and unique! Welcome back!
September 14, 2016 at 5:19 pm
Thank you, so much, Elda. Breaks are good, yet now I’m challenged with getting back in the swing of things. 🙂