Hanami and Washi

Hanami

Hermits scrawl haiku
under thatched, sun-splintered roofs;
sakura blooming.

Washi

|             hermits                            scrawl       haiku
|                      daub         paper mulberry           minds
|          wolves’ tails    inked                                  fractured

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Written for Ronovan Writes’ Haiku Challenge, which provided the prompt words “haiku” and “mind.” (The first is dependent on a bit of creative license: mind > head > roof.) “Hanami” refers to viewing parties when cherry trees (sakura) blossom. “Washi” refers to paper traditionally used for artwork and calligraphy.

Remember to try and read the experimental form in various ways; it’s not meant for a straightforward reading. Just as writing is a practice of experimentation, reading must be creative, too.