Autumn Leaves

 

autumn leaves fall

gracefully showering down

colorful carpet

 

This is one of my Haiku poem written ten years ago. What is a Haiku poem, you say. It is a Japanese poem of seventeen syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five, traditionally evoking images of the natural world. 

 

I have written many poems through the years. When in high school, during American Government class as my mind wandered, instead of taking notes, I would write poems. But alas, through the years and moving from the west coast to the Midwest, and several moves after, my poems were lost. 

 

Autumn Leaves was written one day after visiting the St. Louis Art museum. It was the first time that I had ventured out on my own and explored a new area. I was in need of a mental day, I had lost my son three years prior. I just completed and graduated with my Master's Degree. I was in need of a tranquil, quiet, peaceful day away from strife and stress. 

 

On this glorious Fall day, as I was walking around Forest Park, better known as the "Heart of St. Louis",  I noticed how blue the sky was, how colorful the leaves were and how calm my mind was. I pulled out my camera and snapped a photo of the tree lined walk. 

 

This photo has been used in a photo contest 2 years later at the Wellness Day event were I worked, as my Facebook banner photo and as my background picture for Zoom calls. It is my go to picture when I need calm. It is my go to picture when I need color. It was my go to picture to write Autumn Leaves.

 

 What is your favorite go to picture? What is your favorite Haiku?

 

I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to share in the comments below.