winter temple …
the white arms of a young monk
wiping the floor

Published by

Keiko Izawa

I started composing haiku last year inspired by the work of my American penpal. Ever since I have encountered and been impressed by so many beautiful English language haiku made by poets from all around the world. I feel very happy and honored to know as a Japanese this poem that originated in Japan is loved this much in the world.

8 thoughts on “”

  1. I liked this one, and with Keiko’s permission, read it out during a lunchtime reading in my home town of Bristol U.K.

    It went down very well with the audience!

  2. Wonderful! The suggestion of the snowy landscape around the temple through the white arms, and the monk, in keeping with the season, having this attribute of Winter, though young.

    The clean landscape, the clean floor. How it all blends.

    lorin

  3. Dear Keiko,

    A great imagery well woven!

    And

    Happy Christmas & New Year Celebrations to all of you at tinywords

    – kala

  4. izawa san,
    what beauty heart sutra pure land
    brilliance you’ve penned.
    lou

    zen garden…
    a full moon glows
    above the stone’s silouette

  5. Keiko san,

    your haiku reminded me of my staying at Eiheiji for the winter sesshin, one-week zazen at the remote temple in deep snow.

    A Happy New Year !

    Ryoko

  6. …i wondered

    yet, as someone said, “suggestive”, indeed.

    some err in reading too much into it.

    with the onset of winter, the most mundane work continues; especially for those not having reached that loftier position.

    but, of more importance, one’s readiness to serve another.

    winter pasture-
    motherless calf
    in warm callous hands

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