Even though I’ve been otherwise occupied for most of this year and not devoted as much time as normal to writing, there’s always time for haiku and tanka—one of the reasons I love them. It really doesn’t take much for one to pop into my head, and I’ve actually been using them quite a lot in Instagram posts—they’re perfect for the purpose of accompanying a photograph.

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Just when life grows dim
And it seems there’s nothing left
But a downward trend,
Suddenly flow through my pen
Words of comfort from my mind.

Written as a piece for my return to activity at the Golden Pen Writers Guild in April after a long absence.

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Cool, refreshing morn
After an unpleasant night
On the Southwest Chief…

Looking out my door
Pouring rain is what I see
Yet the sun is out.

Yesterday was rain,
But today on waking up
SNOW is what I find!

Written during my spring trip to Flagstaff, Arizona and attached to various photos and video clips I posted to Instagram.

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Flowers in a pot
Stand in humble tribute to
Loved ones who are gone.

Memorial Day 2015 at the Veterans Historical Plaza Park, Saugus, CA.

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© MMXV Douglas P. Kendrick, all rights reserved.