The Fallen Leaf

Water feature near my Zen House (greenhouse)

In English, a haiku is considered to be three-line poems.  In Japan, having exactly 17 syllables and the inclusion of a seasonal word, are strictly adhered to in order for the poem to be considered a haiku.

The gingko bush is turning yellow and the Japanese maple is turning red.

By ensuring the inclusion of the seasonal reference and limiting to the 5-7-5 syllabic format, the final poem becomes a snapshot of nature, void of the poet's own emotions.  Each person reading the poem can draw their own interpretations.

A red cedar 'enso' with bamboo posts, near a small Japanese maple, small garden temple and moss pot.

Zen elements, such as simplicity, minimalism, and nature... are all felt in haiku poems.

The beginning of my new moss garden.

A Zen monk, Ryokan, recited the following haiku on his deathbed.

Showing the back,

Now showing the front

The Japanese maple tree leaves are

falling down

   A new section of my Zen garden with a water feature.

Wind... rustling leaves

the inseparable

oneness 

by John McDonald

 Red Japanese maple, water feature, smiling Buddha and cement lantern.

If the sun were a tree

Its leaves would be this shining color

And they would drop 

Over my boots

Ankle deep.

When I step

There would be the sound

of light breaking.

Tom Hennen, closing lines to "Wild Aspen Leaves, October"

In my back facing the view of the water, my husband built the torii gate.  The Japanese character is the symbol for truth, trust, belief.  It is one of the 5 basic tenets of Confucius.

Rocks from the 'round rock' beach

2 Japanese maples turning with the Autumn air

My new bell.  My husband built a small torii gate.  When I go outside I face the water and ring it 3 times.

The temple bell stops.

But the sound keeps coming 

out of the flowers.

--- Basho