Haiku Monday ~ (A Twist of) Fate December 9, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Poetry, Word Play.trackback
Thanks to a mad twist of Hamlet’s Shakespearean soliloquy, Col selected me to host Haiku Monday for this coming week.
You can read submissions from the TEN finalists at Haiku Monday ~ Some Short Haikus to Madness.
Thanks, Col!
Since I’m new to Haiku Monday, I fished through past posts to find “The Rules.”
After trolling around a few minutes, I found Fishy2Me’s summary:
Judging is always subjective but in our homage to the still missing Troll, we try to uphold his teachings by requiring these basics:
5-7-5 format
kireji the cutting word which connects two thoughts and,
kigo, a seasonal reference.
We award points for all of the above and bonus points for clever interpretation of the theme.
Visuals are optional but… well we really enjoy a great relationship between the ‘ku and the view.
OK . . . deep breath!
I dove again and came up with these rules posted by Doom:
The rules are simple. Three line poems, with 5-7-5 as the syllable count. Using question marks or “~”, “-“, or specific ‘turn’ words for emphasis or to set a change in notions is a fine option but not required. Using a seasonal word to either frame the poem to a date, or indicate the current solar placement, is a fine finial as well.
Excellent!
I know I can judge entries for following the standard 5-7-5 format because I can count to seven without relying on my toes:
Why write a Haiku
if you can’t count to seven?
There’s always free verse
Since the terms “kireji” and “kigo” are not part of my every day poetic lingo, the judging may be a bit skewed this week ~> strictly “by the numbers” rather than “by the book.”
Haiku or Senryū?
Nature or human humor?
I’ll let you decide
But don’t let the harbinger of my skewed judgment stop you from entering.
Much of life is Random Luck. A Crap Shoot. A Roll of the Dice. Serendipity. Synchronicity. A Twist of Fate.
So there we have it . . . the theme this week is:
(A Twist of) Fate
Submit a Haiku (or two) in the comments below (or provide a link to your blog) by Monday, December 16th, at Midnight, Pacific Standard Time.
I will then painstakingly select the winner in an arbitrary, random, and capricious manner . . . just because I can.
If my subjective “by the numbers” approach fails me, I’ll roll the dice!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Related posts: Haiku Monday ~ Quiet (Grumpy Granny) * The Verdict is In (Becca) * Haiku Monday ~ The Getaway Winner (Karl) * Haiku Monday ~ Your Way (Karl) * Haiku Monday ~ Madness (Colonialist) * Haiku Monday ~ Lightning (Where Whispers Linger) * Haiku Monday Winner ~ Shallows (Fishy2Me)
Comments
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Spirit Lights The Way 
Now that is different 🙂
I’ll do my best to pick “the best,” but Col had such a tough time choosing that I thought I’d leave myself a little wiggle room.
Congrats Nancy. An interesting twist. Hosting is not so bad, it is the final decision that is tough. I really think most hosts have one haiku that just speaks to them, and that ends up the choice, regardless of the stated rules. Fishy tries to hold true to Troll’s rules and more traditional Haiku. Those of us “old guard” generally do also, even trying for natural subjects.
If you want to know more on kireji and kigo, this site might help. http://www.haikusociety.com/learn/kireji-and-kigo.
One thing on our traditional “schedule” is that since the majority of players have been in the US, as far west as the West Coast (like Rafa), and the submittal deadline is Monday, we have allowed entries until Midnight, Pacific Time Monday night. The judging is normally done by Wednesday or Thursday morning (so as not to kill the host), with the winner and new host putting up a theme usually sometime Friday, or at the latest Saturday to give folks a little time to put thoughts and visuals together..
Often the host makes a final cut based on the visuals if a tie-breaker is needed.
Since you are new to the game, I’ll try to get the word out to our “regular” players, with your address, so they know where to come play. You have given us plenty of time this week, and an interesting twist to work with.
With all that said, I’ll visit the other players I know adn let them know where you are. I’ll return after a bit of thought.
Cheers.
Serendipity
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I wasn’t sure how soon I was supposed to post a theme or how fast I would have to post a winner come Monday. I will change the deadline in the post to Midnight, Pacific and do the judging on Tuesday.
You are off to a great start. It seems I was way out on the intended timing … but ’tis done, now!
Thanks, Col. I breathed a sigh of relief when Serendipity shared the slower paced timeline with me.
I almost selected “Serendipity” as the theme this week. How’s that for Synchronicity. 😉
A, Col, but you had the best of reasons! Sometimes our “rigid schedule” just gets in conflict with life, holidays, mishaps, etc., so we adjust.
Flexibility and willingness to adjust to the bumps in the road is a sign of good judgment.
I hope that “(A Twist of) Fate” isn’t too far afield for those of you who prefer natural subjects. I did wonder whether I had stretched the rules past the breaking point.
Great theme! And yeah we are flexible. What’s the fun in being rigid? I’ll be back when sometime this week…. as foam…
Thanks, foam! I look forward to seeing your twist on fate. 😀
Awe, Foam, some of my funnest moments have been spent rigid…in both scope and depth:D I guess flexibility is best left to those of the fairer sex…yes? HaHa…sorry:(
Oh…and I have one off my top, Nancy:
Apple in Eve’s eye
Tempts His Beast, “Come burden me”
Human race is ON
I’ll think about another ‘ku, and perhaps a post with visual (assuming you need one, right?), but for a later date and time.
Ditto to everyone else on your fantabulous hostessing skills…most excellent, indeedy-DO:D
Bwahaha! Score “1” for rigidity!
And kudos on your ku ~ you’ve come up with a paradigm shift of fate . . . brought about by serpent’s forked tongue.
😀
I think a little capricious power could be fun! Enjoy! 🙂 And if haiku comes over me, I’ll be happy to share. 🙂
Please do, Debra. Here’s to unbridled capricious power! 😛
Tough theme. Still… Two you say. There you be. I hope others have better luck! I am up, for what it is worth.
True Story
he ran, lifted, svelte
he ate right, he lived well, tops
exercise killed him
‘Nother True Story :p
beautiful berries
destroyed by those awful birds
seeded in new places
Fantastic! Love the irony of the first and the shift of perspective in the second to a bird’s eye view (although the last line has 6 syllables by my count).
If you revise the last line down to 5 syllables, I’ll swap it out in your comment.
I’ll give it a try!
Sudden twists of fate
Life in beautiful motion
Embrace its magic.
Fate is not to fear
Leads us to our destiny
See its magic shine
Hope those were haikus! LOL.
Love them, Shree.
“In uncertainty lies all possibility.” Here’s to not needing to know what happens next.
Thank you! and yes…I agree..there is certainly untold possibilities and potential in the void of the unknown 🙂
Enjoy the magick!
So let’s get with the haikus orready …
Unfaithful digit
Derisively extended;
Gets stuffed – turkey-time!
Haha! The “fickle finger of fate” ~> what a gobbler!
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fickle%20finger%20of%20fate
You duly decoded it!
I crossed my fickle fingers and used my decoding ring. 😛
Congratulations Nancy, and good look with selecting the winner on Tuesday. I am still in shock after my first effort at Col’s, so have decided to retire from Haikus!
Thanks, Grannymar. If the shock wears off by Monday, feel free to swing back by with a Haiku. Perhaps about the twist of fate that led you and your husband to be in the same place at the same time . . . against all odds.
It seems I did a poor count, but teacher says if I correct I won’t have to clean chalk board erasers. So…
beautiful berries
destroyed by those awful birds ~
seed in new places
Ta da! I hope everyone swings by the post on your blog to enjoy your visual depiction ~ a bird’s eye view of a bird’s eye view.
Here’s mine:
Haiku
when the sun rises
icicles leave drip by drip–
the longest farewell
(this haiku on my blog with visuals, if I understand the directions)
http://freedanichols.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/haiku-2013-12-11/
Thanks, Freeda. Icicles’ drip-by-drip demise, a fated farewell, remains outside their sphere of influence and control. 😎
Hi! I thought it would be fun to join the haiku fest. Thanks.
So glad you did! Col did a MUCH BETTER job of attracting entries than I seem to be doing.
Ah, well, with fewer submissions, judging will be easier, right?
Just wait, Nancy. There are always a rush of late entrants, and this contest is longer than usual. I always go through the “are they going to show!” moments, while holding the contest. Most others do as well. Now, your theme is… on the tricky, technical, side of things. (Wonderful though, don’t get me wrong.) Still, that can slow people up a bit too. Besides, Col must have been wearing his best parfum. Well, and an endearing anniversary didn’t hurt when people stopped in and then looked around. What some guys will do for a big contest. Sheesh. :p
Oh, and that was one of the bigger contests in a while. So… don’t get all maudlin. Or, at least not on this, not yet anyway. Sweat it Sunday night if you must. You are doing a fine-dandy job.
Thanks, Doom! I thought the explanation might be that Col was wearing his best parfum (while wearing his Anniversary Tux). 😉
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that a few more intrepid haiku-sters wade into the pool between now and Monday night.
Hi Nancy,
Nice to have such an enthusiastic new host! You are doing great. This is way early in the week to worry about volume. They trickle for a while, Sunday gets busy, and there are a always a few just under the wire Monday evening.
I have not yet put invitations on regulars’ blogs, so maybe that will help them find you.
Meanwhile, you get to see how odd Serendipity can be.
Pursued by huntress.
Caught! Dead fawn pulled free; she lives…
Hunter’s paradox.
(A very short version of the story is on my blog.)
And a second, an explanation of the first:
Green eyed, red haired kid.
Artist, hunter, fix-it. Why?
Double helix twist.
Thanks, Serendipity. Both for your enthusiastic support and two stellar haiku. The last line in each are fantastic!
The double helix twist is the ultimate twist of fate from which all else flows. Just perfect.
Fate .. Predetermined?
Perhaps… Yet, in our choices
We cobble our road..
Ditto serendipity and Doom on the participation. I’ve hosted a few times myself. You are doing a wonderful job hosting so far.
Should I post on the foaming with a visual I will let you know.
Thanks, Foam. I love the flow of your haiku ~ with its nod to predetermination and a high-five to free will.
Here’s my effort ,Nancy, composed before I saw your post:
leaves torn from trees, lost,
tossed, strewn across grass; nature’s
litter, next year’s tilth
Don’t know if it complies with rules but enjoy anyway!
Original, with photo, at http://wp.me/p36La9-fT
More of my haiku offerings here:
http://mynewshy.wordpress.com/tag/haiku/
Thanks, CG! A perfect snapshot of the circle of life on Planet Earth, an ever renewing biosphere . . . except when we interfere.
What the heck! Can you delete all those above .. Lol ..
It’s been a long week.
Done . . . they never even had a chance to see the light of day!
Good morning Nancy,
Congratulations on your win. You’ve chosen quite an interesting topic. This will be fun.
One to start:
Blowing winter wind
Force ones direction to change
Other path unknown
Thanks, Karl! A great reminder that we sometimes must change paths and step into the unknown by wind blown fury and other forces outside our control.
Twist of fate…unique haiku topic. Good luck on the judging!
I’m delighted with the diverse submissions to my twisted topic!
[…] (A Twist of ) Fate […]
I added a second one;
Martini season …
Twist of fate and lemon mate –
Create the reason!
Illustrated, the two are to be found here:
http://colonialist.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/fate-accomplished-a-fait-accompli/
Aah . . . that twist of fate can land us flat on our face!
I add more, as I go. I won’t bring them over, with the limit. But if you wish you may browse. I sort of went my own way with them, since they aren’t for the contest, mostly.
I’ll swing by and take a peek at how the prompt prods you. 😉
I’m up with the ku at the foaming, btw.
Excellent. I’ll swing by in due course.
Twisted? Planned but not
To understand. Ravelled, wrought
Synchronicity.
Synchronicity is a favorite fate of mine! Thanks, Czar
Gosh, that’s… nice… Czar. I like my blue-collar approach, but I do see the elegance of the adroit. I don’t like my poems, but my approach, for me. Not… trying to be boastful, I mean. Hmm, a little jealous. I don’t even think I have that sort of manifestation in me. I’m just, and perhaps only, brute force, sadly in some ways.
Here are my entries I will have them up tomorrow with visuals if you would like to see
night birds a calling
wrapped tight in wings of darkness
light wins out again
heart heavy, regret
memories of laughter, food
scale screams loud, you lose
Thanks, Becca ~ I’ll definitely swing by tomorrow and take a peek at your post.
And good balance between light and darkness, winning and losing, fated gain and loss.
My scale screams at me sometimes too. 😉
Wow Czar. You have been awol for months and then suddenly you appear and WHACK! Outta’ the park. Welcome back. Where is Moi? If you are back, she should be here too.
Nice, Nancy. You are pulling them in now.
A good turn out . . . especially for this hectic time of year. 😀
Bolsheviks be damned! Czar lives to ‘KU again…and with a bloody(:D) good’n, ta boot!
You certainly have your pleasure cut out for you, Nancy. Tis a great little collection of poems.
I do have a couple more for the pile… though more ticklish in nature, than anything of high standard.
One’s with Foamy in mind:
Choice is yours, alone
Chase your tail or follow fate
Both lead by the nose
The other…? Well, you’ll see:
Those crazy Russians
Playing roulette; click, click…BLAM!
Ev’ryone craps out
Good times:D and blessings!
Bwahaha! Talk about a Crap Shoot. That’s grand. 😯
Bah! You are so whiny sometimes. Your poems are ticklishly technical, and yet so alive. “I’m wounded, I’m wounded!”… Here is your band aid, now get back in there lad.
That last one, well, yeah. Been there done that, even got the t-shirt but lost it. One of my women stole it, and my dog tags. And they say WE are trophy hunters. Although *cough* Come to think of it, I haven’t surveyed my collection in a while. Where is it? *sniff, sniff* Ah, found.
No, no beer or other. But, come to think of it, probably should. Dry drunks are getting wicked and need a little softening with the real stuff. Uhrm, pardon my boorishness, Nancy… It’s a wild one tonight for some reason.
No worries, mate! Here’s to being ALIVE!
Good sniffer always comes in handy, doesn’t it, Rafa?
Great entries here, Nancy. Now the hard part begins… picking the next host. You’ve done a stellar job hosting, btw.
Thanks, Foam. The hosting part is EZ, the judging part a bit stickier. Good thing I warned everyone that I’d be selecting the winner in an arbitrary, random, and capricious manner.
I’ll announce the winner in tomorrow’s post.
HaHa, Foam! Yes, lead or follow, an ass smells of ass and flies abound…HEY, I resemble that statement:D
Thanks Doom! (I think…) Whiny is what whiny does…wee wee wee, all the way home:D Oh, and I love how you write with the bull’s horn in hand…score another for rigidity:D I think that makes 2! …La de da de DA:D
Nancy, you’ve been a ripe joy. Thanks for being such a great hostess… you’re good sport, indeedy-DO!
Thanks, Rafael! It’s been interesting to meet all these Masters of ‘Ku.
It is a variegated bunch, isn’t it Nancy? The thing we have in common is words; some sort of love of words. In the ground-based world, we would never cross paths. I would love to know how each of us came to appreciate written words as we do. I’ll bet the stories would be as different as each player is from the next.
Great job hosting!
Thanks, Serendipity. I think you’ll find the answer to that in your Fate-full Haiku:
Why?
Double helix twist. 😉
Good evening Nancy,
Sorry not to make it back. I’m traveling this week, it tends to mess with the schedule. Serendipity makes a good point. We are a diverse group, yet we enjoy the banter of words. The play within and off of each other can be quite challenging. Hope you decide to become a regular player.
One to add for show:
When two vessels meet
It’s a bend or a bridge
Critically converge
Rafael is a flamboyant fellow. Don’t let him fluster. He’s a nice boy, a good boy. He just hangs out with trouble makers;)
@Czar: Nice to see you sir.
Likewise, Karl. Hope your travels are safe and maybe even for pleasure.
Thanks, Karl. Travel stretches our boundaries without stretching time ~> dueling schedules.
It’s been interesting meeting this eclectic bunch. I’m curious to see what theme Serendipity selects for the coming week . . .
[…] (A Twist of) Fate […]