I gave the Inklings their challenge this month. I asked them to “Write a haiku sequence that talks about poetry without mentioning it by name. Here is your mentor text.”
I initially approached the challenge in an entirely left-brained way. Not surprisingly, my attempt fell flat. Once I got that out of my system, I was able to write poetically about writing poetry.
Here’s how the rest of the Inklings met my challenge:
Catherine @Reading to the Core
Heidi @my juicy little universe
Linda @A Word Edgewise
Molly @Nix the Comfort Zone
Margaret @Reflections on the Teche
Irene has this week’s Poetry (aka “The best words in the best order.” –Samuel Coleridge) Friday roundup at Live Your Poem.
A(nother) Year of Reading 
Mary Lee, your final words in each haiku make a sequence in themselves, and “windblown applause” just does it all. Right brain FTW!
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Your words create the whole atmosphere surrounding writing. I especially love “windblown applause.”
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If you have ever heard sawtooth oak leaves rustling and rattling in the wind, you’d know why I chose “applause!”
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I like the plates responding to the train horn. “Resonance” indeed!
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Mary Lee, it’s like you are in the book I’m reading for this month’s challenge, The Practicing Poet. Your poem is the perfect example of what has been discussed in the current section I am reading about word choice. I may have to take you up on this writing challenge. Honestly, as I’ve read the sections on word selection your poems are always what comes to mind as strong examples.
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Mary Lee, I think it would have been fun to read your left brain attempt. I consistently fall into left brain attempts. I add my applause to that of the windblown “sawtooth oak leaves” Lovely!
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Oh, my…these haiku have the perfect blend of detail and then little surprise in the last line. Wonderful sequence. Beautiful explanation of poetic elements. Bravo!
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Bravo, Mary Lee! Your post feels like a lesson in poetry. Beautiful!
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So much that surrounds the creative process is captured here, Mary Lee. Matters direct and indirect. That fifth stanza then nails it for me as a reader. It is so readily identifiable.
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There is one oak I see on one particular walk, and I envy your apt description, Mary Lee. I love that idea of “windblown applause”, often think of it reminding us that autumn happens every year and oaks don’t want to forget. I love the journey through poetry you’ve written for us.
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Great challenge! As I’m keen on the sounds of leaves and trees, I’m hearing and enjoying your, “sawtooth oak leaves” and what a rousing “windblown applause” thanks!
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Take a bow at the windblown applause!
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The progression really makes the whole prompt, I think. I love how your poem builds each part of poet’s inspiration and yet, becomes the poem itself.
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I love how each haiku adds to the concept of writing poetry. Such vivid language! I especially enjoyed the idea of compost and the image of “pencil tugs at words.”
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What a gorgeous and interesting series, Mary Lee. And the ending! Fabulous. (This prompt would be so hard for me!)
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You Inklings are amazing. Interesting prompt you conjured up! Loved all the sensory images in your own response, and I really enjoyed your intro – there’s a lot I have to get out of my system sometimes before I can create! ;0)
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Oh, this is delightful! The phrase “windblown applause” was particularly evocative to me, but I was with you right through the whole poem. You sure captured the mood of a perfect poetry morning! Thank you for sharing.
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