12.11.13

Haiku: Dreams Of A Seventh Haven...

"...True prayer is measured by weight, not by length. A single groan before God may have more fullness of prayer in it than a fine oration of great length." C. H. Spurgeon

Haiku: Dreams Of a Seventh Haven - Above Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda


Hidden from the storms
Seven days had come and gone
A sacred cocoon

Anchored in a cove
Many in the boat, breathe, life.
Saved from destruction

Lips part in prayer
Requiem for souls lost at sea
Resting in heaven


 This week, the prompt is: Seven


What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure





In the aftermath of the terrible tragedy wroth by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Philippines, my heart has been heavy with pain and prayer for the families affected by the typhoon. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to all the people of the Philippines during this difficult time. I had a dream that Mother Earth would avert natural disasters by creating pockets of safe havens for her children; cocoons of divine protection from earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis and hurricanes. So many people are suffering and need relief.


Haiku: Dreams of A Seventh Haven -  Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda Survivors do laundry near  debris of a boat.                           Photo Francis R Malasig/EPA

In times like this, we are reminded of the ephemeral nature of life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of offering compassionate aid to our fellow men, women and children. There are many organizations raising funds and helping out, please don't forget those affected and lets all so our bit; write, donate, volunteer, post an unselfie, - every gesture carries enormous weight. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”

 If you are looking for ways to help, you  may contribute to/through the following sites: Feed the Hungry/Ayala Foundation USA, Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), AmeriCares, UNICEF/GreaterGood, Compassion International, Things to donate -> MommyUnwired's post, Feed The Children  and NBC's List of Organizations Offering Relief.

See more Haiku: Tan Renga, Relief effort below!  More below!




"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work." Oswald Chambers
 
Haiku: Dreams Of A Seventh Haven - A Typhoon Survivor wears a pithy message. Photo Vincent Yu/Associated Press

  Tan Renga Haiku
 
in hidden places
under the porch floorboards-
cherry blossoms
 
(c) Managua Gunn


Holding space for those we lost
Floral wreath memorials ( by Me)

crossing the footbridge
a sound that comes unbidden ...
my wild beating heart
(c) Lolly


Heaving sighs of relief
A mother's child found, embraced ( by Me)

ghosts of the ancients
cast their towering shadows
on the holy ground
  (c) Patricia

Sent rays of hope and healing
Golden tears from Mother Earth (by Me)


   Today, the words are:  Tan Renga:  "In Hidden Places", Crossing The Footbridge, Ghosts of the Ancients

What is Carpe DiemBlog Owner, Kristjaan Panneman,  describes it as:  "a weblog on haiku. It's a new daily haiku meme where you can write a classical or non-classical haiku on a given prompt. Haiku is an ancient Japanese poetry form. A haiku has three short lines and describes a short moment (as short as the sound of a pebble thrown into water). Mostly a haiku counts 5-7-5 syllables and is sometimes called 'counted verse."


 


This week, I'm continuing my participation in Carpe Diem's Tan Renga. If you recall, in last week's post, I mentioned that  Kristjaan of Carpe Diem, describes a Tan Renga as: "a short-linked poem which has two stanza, the first stanza has 5-7-5 syllables (the haiku assigned) and the second stanza has 7-7 syllables (I write it). The second stanza is a response on the first and has to have a 'kind of link' with the first stanza, but it can also be completely different say 'a kind of reaction or answer' on the first, but there always has to be, in some way, a 'link' with the first stanza."  Mine are below each color coded one above.

I've continued my reflections on the tragic typhoon in the Tan Renga haiku above. Even with the tremendous challenges people are facing in the affected areas, post Typhoon Yolanda, there have been many examples of human courage and kindness. It is still possible to offer help so don't hesitate to add your voice and compassionate giving to the survivors in the Philippines. Philippines Relief Fund and UNICEF   Please read: Wrath of Haiyan/Typhoon Yolanda #‎lookingforlittletarin‬ Thank you!

 
 
 Some Food for Thought: Have you contributed to the Philippines relief effort? Have you even been in a natural disaster? How did you cope? What tips would you offer survivors? Take a moment to contemplate natural calamities around the world; what about human suffering and survival come to mind?what does this haiku and the message of the Tan Renga mean to you?   Love and Peace in 2013.

I would love to hear from you: Please leave me a comment. Thank You!

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS:

Tan Renga Haiku by Managua Gunn "In Hidden Places."
More Carpe Diem Tan Renga: "In Hidden Places"
Final two lines © 2013 by Me - E. Obih-Frank

Tan Renga Haiku by Lolly "Crossing the Footbridge"
More Carpe Diem Tan Renga: “Crossing the Footbridge”
Final two lines © 2013 by Me - E. Obih-Frank

Tan Renga Haiku by Patricia "Ghosts of the Ancients"
More Carpe Diem Tan Renga: “Ghosts of the Ancients”
Final two lines © 2013 by Me - E. Obih-Frank


All Photographs: Typhoon Haiyan, Boat scene, Never Give up,  and/or Aid,  via Wikipedia, News media or from my personal collection.


 Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet


84 comments:

  1. heartbreaking.....very poignant...very nicely done

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  2. TY Sumana! I've had the typhoon on my heart and hope this helps; even if in a small way.

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  3. TY Kristjaan, I'm enjoying being back at writing again.

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  4. What are your thoughts on the typhoon? Do you know anyone affected by this tragic event? Do share.

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  5. strong storm go away
    leave us alone and let us be
    freely we will live

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  6. Heartbreaking. They say the prayer of the righteous does much. May God bless us all!!

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  7. A very strong posts.. love the tan renga completion.. but the news from the Philipines are truly heartbreaking..

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  8. enjoyed reading your Tan Renga completion -
    praying for those affected by this devastating storm. thank you for your great efforts here.

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  9. we were blessed to have been spared from the full effects of the super typhoon. the loss is unimaginable for those who were directly hit.

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  10. My family are affected this typhoon, thank God they are all alive. Thanks eliz for posting this, thanks for the thoughts to the Filipinos it means a lot.

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  11. Chan, Amen! May God lift us all up from pain and suffering.

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  12. TY Bjorn! it is truly terrible news and so much help needed.

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  13. TY too Sun! Our hearts and prayers go out to all!

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  14. Linnor, Yes the devastation is unimaginable and continues in its human toll. I'm glad you and yours are fine.

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  15. Rosegen, You and your family are in our prayers... It cannot be easy at all. We hold you up with faith and prayer.

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  16. Prayers to those family who survived this horrific typhoon. I'm sure that the Filipino spirit will bounce back soon. To those who helped Thank you so much!:)

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    1. I'm with you on that one Melgie. They will bounce back. Amen! :-)

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  17. After the several calamities (natural and man-made) that has happened in the Philippines, we cannot help but be saddened. But this occurrence has also developed compassion among so many people of all ages, and all over the world. It has brought the people out of their comfort zones and they themselves are surprised at how they have given more in terms of time, talent or treasure. I, personally, am happy on how it has stirred the "want to help" in my son and his friends.

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    1. It has brought out the best in many and hopefully more will step up and help... We've had enough natural disasters I pray.

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  18. I want to thank you for creating haiku for our country especially those who have been devastated by Haiyan.

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    1. TY Allan for your kind feedback. My heart goes out to folk in your beautiful country... Be blessed!
      Eliz

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    2. Your welcome. it is nice to hear that there are someone like you who appreciates the beauty of our country.

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  19. Couldn't have said it any better when you wrote that "every gesture carries enormous weight." It is very reassuring that at times like this, the world still has enough compassion and love to help and offer prayers. It gives me hope that there is still a lot of good in the world. Thank you also for your concerns and prayers :-)

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    1. TY for your feedback Aileen. I agree that seeing more compassion in our world is heartening. Prayers and blessings to all.
      E

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  20. Philippines is so badly hit by catastrophe this year. I hope our fellow countrymen, the whole nation will be able to recover soon.

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    1. My prayers are same too... So much devastation and suffering... my herat goes out to all too.
      E

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  21. The aftermath is heartbreaking but life must go on and try to pick some pieces left behind. Thanks to those who helped the affected families of typhoon Haiyan. God bless

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    1. Recovery will take time but it will come... God bless all the donors and supporters and all who prayed for the people of the Philippines. May all be abundantly blessed. TY!
      Eliz

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  22. The photo of the typhoon look so surreal - even beautiful. I cannot even imagine what devastation it brought forth to the Visayas-houses destroyed, families separated...loved ones lost...

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    1. Incredible shot of what looks so innocent and beautiful, yet s savage and destructive. My wish is that all recover in full strength. TY!

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  23. It's so nice of you write about Philippines. We are all so overwhelm with the help from other countries.

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    1. TY Jhari,
      I could not ignore the devastation and I have friends from the Philippines; blog friends as well. I wish all health and safety.

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  24. Heartwarming haiku sis. Thank you. We do help in our own little way and I know no help is little at this point in time. Every single small thing is appreciated. God bless Philippines and God bless those who are helping and praying for our country.

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    1. I agree. Every bit counts and makes a difference. None are turned away. TY!

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  25. A sincere short prayer is enough for God's ear..God knows what we need even if we don't ask but we always need to communicate with God.
    I pray that this devastation would not happen again and I believe that GOD will help our fellowmen get back on their feet...FAST!

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    1. I pray that God will spare us all from further disasters. It is such a hard process to recover from. TY!

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  26. I love the opening quotation, Ms. Eliz. I know you wrote these with a heavy heart, but I admit it resulted to such beautiful haikus. Thanks for these. :-)

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    1. TY Marie Angeli! I always try to imagine how I would feel in such a situation... So scary and sad. My hearts goes out to all.

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  27. I pray for all who are affected to pick up the pieces soon..

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    1. Amen to that and TY for checking in. Farida!! :-)

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  28. My heart goes out to those who were affected by the super typhoon. I am lost for words especially when I saw kids and babies already dead. I cried buckets of tears. This is really heart breaking. Thank you, Ms. Eliz for writing this entry. I love the first quote the most. Truly, God hears and I know that in time, help will come and our people will be able to make it thru all these.

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    1. TY Van! Like you, I cried a lot for the families and kids who died. It such a sad, sad global event. I agree.

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  29. "...True prayer is measured by weight, not by length." ~ I agree! And I pray that HE hears all the groans of the Yolanda survivors!

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  30. True. If we work together, a lot will be accomplished. We can do this!

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    1. YES we can! Community and global effort is necessary. TY!

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  31. people are still reeling from the effect of the typhoon but the overwhelming help from local and foreign volunteers are just heartwarming. :D

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    1. I'm glad to see the help increase. Now, my prayer is that it reach all the people who need it and not end up in the pockets of corrupt officials. Amen!

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  32. Hi Eliz,
    Spurgeon was a great and wise man.
    Glad I found you. Thanks for sending me the link. :-)
    Tracy

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    1. TY Tracy! Loved you feedback lady. Glad you found my blog. Happy Thanksgiving! :-)
      Eliz

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  33. I love the initial quote that you included. It is so very true. A lot can be said with little words.

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  34. This is so heartbreaking! I hope many people contribute to this cause!

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  35. So tragic what happened there, but comforting to know that many are still working tirelessly to help those who were impacted by the typhoon.

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  36. Prayer is so powerful. I can't even begin to imagine what those affected by the typhoon have had to endure.

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  37. I really need to try doing Haiku. I love to read it, so why not try a hand. You are really good at this! :)

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  38. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

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  39. I think this is a good thing to remind us. They are very far from being recovered. It will take years!

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  40. Thanks for sharing these haikus. They are very poignant.

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  41. Those are very nice quotes. I really enjoy your writing.

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  42. I had no clue what an haiku was but now I know it is a three lined poem.

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  43. it's inspiring how something sad can be the makings of something beautiful loved your haiku

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  44. Very nicely written. The photos that you included with your Haiku are very telling of human resilience.

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  45. What a beautiful post, you brought me to tears. I feel so badly for all those affected by the Typhon, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of them.

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  46. Beautifully written. My prayers go out to all those affected.

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  47. Nice poem. I like how the photograph goes will with it.

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  48. I've seen entire cities ravaged by hurricanes. I know how awful the effects are, and so long lasting too. :(

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  49. this is heart wrenching. there is so very much to do
    never give up, forward we go!

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  50. Mother nature can be so unforgiving, but it's amazing how people can gather together and help.

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  51. It is so hard to imagine how folks are still living with the devastation of the typhoon

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  52. My thoughts are with everyone one that has been affected by this and others like it,thank you for sharing this was very well written.

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  53. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the aftermath of storms like this. And to know the cleanup takes so long.....it's so sad.

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  54. Beautiful haiku. Those pictures are heartwrenching. I feel for all those who went through that tragedy.

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  55. Powerful words and photos! Especially love that quote by Spurgeon that you started with!

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  56. I cant believe what these storms can do. The aftermath is such a horrible thing.

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  57. I think this is a great reminder. It was devastating & it will take a long time to recover from...

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  58. These are beautiful! I hate that storm can cause so much damage. Its been a little bit and they're still cleaning up. Its devastating.

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  59. It's so horrible what those in the Philippines are going through. Thank you for reminding us that more needs to be done.

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  60. Beautiful photographs! Natural disaster always make me sad.

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  61. Thank you for your words. As a survivor of Haiyan, it really strikes deep.

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