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Thursday, April 7, 2011

Create or Die

I find that when I am really sad I must create. I got to do something to keep my hands and brain occupied. It's create or die.

Luckily I had some orders to think about. I had one for a little bald baby with a  bow instead of hair. It's been a long time since I made one. Since the first one looked so sweet I kept going and made a second one to list in my shop.



The children have been studying poetry at school. They talked about Haiku, a form of Japanese poetry, the other day. I didn't really know what it was. I often see Haiku writing contests in the paper. So I thought I'd check it out. I found a book at the library The Haiku Anthology by Cor Van Den Heuvel.



The book said that Haiku are short poems that talk about an image from nature and connect it to the human condition. They do that in 17 syllables. Most people seem to think that it's a three-liner with 5-7-5 syllables per line. That's what my daughter was told to do at school. The library book said it didn't matter, that anything under 17 syllables was okay.  I couldn't decide whether to write one in English or German. So this is what I came up with.

Kirschblueten vor dem Fenster
    Kinderlachen draussen vor der Tuer
           Wieso hast Du uns verlassen?

Cherry Blossoms in my window
Children's laughter at my door
       Why did you leave?
  
I know they are not quite right. Especially the German version is too long. But I just couldn't think of ways to shorten it. Any advice?

When I run out of prayers I turn to art. How about you?

8 comments:

momma rae said...

creativity is certainly my greatest therapy in times of distress. there have been times over the last few months that i couldn't think about anything, my heart was so heavy, and i just poured my energy into my project. it feels so good to make something beautiful it brings a warmness to my heart.

much love to you! you are in my thoughts.

germandolls said...

Yes, we have to turn the bad stuff into creating something beautiful. thanks for sharing your thoughts and being around, momma rae! I so appreciate all your comments!

Mare said...

Your Haiku is lovely and goes right to the heart of the matter. My interpretation of your poem is- When there is so much beauty and hope, why do some of us do the things we do? If only they could see that when they get past that moment of despair and wake up the next morning, a new day begins?
My knitting and crochet, making toys and dolls, is my therapy. If i did not have that, i think i would be in a very hard place. But when i pick up the very same tools my Grandmother used to create with, it puts me in alignment with her, and with her Mother and her Grandmother, and then my family is always all around me... it is hard to put into words, but i have a feeling you understand.

mrsbeccijo said...

Lovely! :)

Natalie/Woolhalla said...

Love your haiku! That's great!! Always good to sit and ponder and create :o)

germandolls said...

blushes. thank you!

Dria said...

Your poem is very touching.

I actually have to be in a good mood to create. When I'm upset I lay on the couch and read..

Mike said...

I love how you made her cheeks rosy.