"willows"

willows hang like snakes

their limber limbs, are bull whips

when snapped by young boys.

Author's Note

5-7-5

Reviews

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Randall 🌿

You've presented us a very nicely rendered Senryu, spot-on in count, clear in imagery, and somewhat true to the form's stipulations. It expresses a sort of wry humor that gifted me a smile in recalling youthful games we played with willow limbs, including stripping the leaves for that whip you mentioned, and making willow whistles, which was my favorite. I think I still remember how to do it. There is a willow out back beside the pond I think I'll use to cut a prime piece of and show my grandson how to make his own whistle … thank you truly for bringing that to mind.

Well, I'm Richard, a simple bard who composes in many forms and enjoys reading and reviewing others' writings and sharing mine. I've also taught poetry for many years … a considerable number of my students are or were on the Café.

I've read a number of your interesting pieces I plan to review, and it is nice to meet you, Randall … I hope you'll accept my friend request and enjoy some of my work, too.

"Happy Springtime!" ⁓ Richard🖌

[Randall]

Thanks, Richard, for the positive review. I look forward to your friendship on the Writers Cafe, along with reviews and writing tips. Thanks again for the friend request. I'll exit here and push the button.

Randall...

[Chris Shaw]

You have transported me back to primary school. Naughty boys didn’t appreciate the willows in the playing fields. Even then at 8, I thought they were being destructive. A trip for me Randall down nostalgia lane. Nicely composed senryu.

Chris

[Randall]

Thank you, Chris. You know, I never considered myself a naughty boy. Maybe a little misunderstood. :) Now the neighbor whose willow tree it was. He may have thought us naughty. But we never took that many willow branches or truly hurt the tree. :))) Glad you could take a trip down that very important lane.

Randall...

[Chris Shaw]

I’m sure you have been forgiven by now:))

[Betty Hermelee]

An interesting haiku….combining people and nature… except boys will be boys and the poor willow branch becomes a whip….. using nature as a praying field…
Clever!
Warmly
B.🌷

[Randall]

Thanks, Betty. The only thing missing is a lion, a chair, and a cage. :)))

Randall...

[Betty Hermelee]

Most welcome
Warmly, B