I think a lot about writing when I’m running. Often I return from a run, and after gulping a bit of water, rush to my notebook to capture some phrases, ideas, or words. Perhaps it’s easier to hold fewer words in mind when I’m huffing and puffing, but lately I find myself gravitating toward composing haiku while I run. After a few side glances from drivers or passengers in passing cars, I have finally realized that not only am I thinking about haiku, I’m also muttering the words aloud. In addition to that, I’m tapping out syllables on my fingers. I must be quite a sight! (Hence the sidelong glances!) Here are a few of my recent efforts.
Counting syllables
fingers flashing, tap-tap-tapping
writing in the air
©2018 M. Hogan
Tumbled apples rest
beneath heavy laden trees
summer’s parting gift
©2018 M. Hogan
This week’s Poetry Friday Roundup is “down under” at The Water’s Edge (a phrase which actually sounds like the beginning of a poem!). Be sure to stop by and enrich your weekend with some poetry.
Nix the comfort zone 
Oh, I love what you did with the pole aster photo—I knew I would. So pretty…sparkling and fading. Like summer. sigh. And, that Touch-me-not photo! I didn’t know what they were. Great poem and a educational too. Love it. I can imagine tap tap tapping on a walk (In sooooo not a runner). It’s so satisfying to find the right count. Great post!
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Thanks, Linda! You can also use the stem liquid (is there such a term?) of the touch-me-knots to help alleviate itching. We used to use it as kids all the time when we got “stung” by nettles in the woods.
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When you get the rhythm of a haiku in your head, it’s how you think, 5, 7, 5 tap, tap, tap. I love them all. summer’s gift, dynamite, from shrouded to sparkle. Love the photos, too. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Margaret! That rhythm does seem to settle in!
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I love this image of you running with haiku! You should make that the title of a collection and write haiku about all the things you see/hear/taste/touch/smell on your run. xo
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What a fun idea, Irene!
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I agree with Irene. This sounds like a picture book to me, Molly. I smiled when reading about your saying the words out loud! Each one is lovely.
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Thanks, Linda. It was funny how I never considered what I must look like to those driving by. I was lost in a haiku haze!
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This could so be me. I count and think while walking. What are the orange flowers?
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They are touch me nots and grow wild around here. I also know them from my childhood in Pennsylvania, so I imagine they’re pretty widespread. I still delight in poking their seed pods and watching the seeds explode into the air!
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Nice haikus. I can see how running might lend to creating poetry, it clears the mind and gives you a rhythm to work with!
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Thanks! Sometimes I like having a focus other than my breathing and pounding feet.
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Oh, I think many of us are familiar with those sidelong glances! Long walks are ideal for working on rhyming poems and getting that meter right.
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Glad to know I’m not the only one getting sidelong glances!
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I’m glad I’m not the only one muttering under her breath while on the public roads, though my pace is usually walking instead of running. Something about the rhythm of one step after another turns my brain to poetry. I love all of these haiku, but those fading, sparking asters with that last photo is my favorite.
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Thanks, Kay. I thought those asters were so magical looking, draped in dew-drenched cobwebs, yet still quietly vibrant. I’m glad you liked them, too.
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Elegantly simple. Thanks for each moment.
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Thanks, Dan!
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Some beautiful imagery, Molly – I especially liked your jewel-weed poem, as my kids & I are always on the look-out for the pods to pop!
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Thanks, Matt! I just taught two friends (middle aged women) about popping those pods. They were delighted and laughed and laughed each time the pods burst. It was so funny!
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I always head out on my walk with my pocket notebook and pens–talking and counting as I go–inspiring place to compose. All fun, and I really like your “One touch… Dynamite!” seed pods that are ready to explode!
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Thanks, Michelle!
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Glad to hear I’m not the only one exercises and composes at the same time. I find myself repeating lines over and over hoping they don’t get lost before I get to a piece of paper,and have sometimes resorted to composing on my phone. love your collection.
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Thanks, Sally! I’ve written the best poems when running…and then promptly forgotten the critical lines before I could write them down. Sigh!
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