The Forest
The topic I have been
ruminating over this month has been creativity. During my professional life in
the ministry and teaching, I never thought of myself as creative, although my
work demanded a certain inspirational input. I thought of myself more as a
logical, rational creature. When I retired and had more time to think about the
writing I wanted to do, I found the more time available nurtured a certain
creativity. I began to think that creativity can be nurtured and coaxed as many
other things could.
With these thoughts in mind,
I decided to drag the better half for a walk in the forest near us. The
secondary agenda was exercising our 5-month-old puppy, Lizzie (you’ve heard of
her) and getting in some of the recommended NHS steps for the day.
In the part of the forest where we were walking, we came across beautiful ferns, not one or two, but a whole spread. I’ve never seen them like this in abundance. The display was riveting. As writers we can do well individually but what glory to God when we can work together. Writing groups provide one such opportunity, as do conferences and workshops. (Don't forget the ACW gathering 12 October, I hope to see many of you there).
My creativity prompted me
to try a haiku. I’m not sure whether it qualifies as that form. I’m sure you’ll
let me know if it doesn’t.
In Fineshades forest
Feathery ferns fluttering
Life’s fading flora
A reminder to me of how
fleeting and tenuous both beauty and life are.
Rosalie tries not to take herself too seriously. Life is
too short! She enjoys writing in different genres - historical fiction, bible
study guides, devotionals and poetry. She is the Groups' Coordinator for ACW
and welcomes any enquiries about groups at groups@christianwriters.co.uk
Thanks Rosalie. Familiar territory: the logical rational side having had too much to say during 30+ years of Chemistry teaching, now having to take a back seat and enjoy a more creative ride.
ReplyDeleteYes I know the story well.
DeleteYes, purists say a haiku has to be about nature. Bracken is one species that hasn't arrived in our garden, fortunately. We have about 5 different ferns now all blown in by the wind.
ReplyDeletethanks for that information, Susan
DeleteI love your haiku!
ReplyDelete'The haiku is a Japanese poetic form that consists of three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third. The haiku developed from the hokku, the opening three lines of a longer poem known as a tanka. The haiku became a separate form of poetry in the 17th century.' - Google hit
Wikipedia: 'Haiku is a type of short form poetry that originated in Japan, and can be traced back from the influence of traditional Chinese poetry. Traditional Japanese haiku consist of three phrases composed of 17 phonetic units in a 5, 7, 5 pattern; that include a kireji, or "cutting word"; and a kigo, or seasonal reference.'
So would my words comply?
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Rosalie! Thanks. Your Haiku is very lovely too. I can see the conscious effort at alliteration and keeping to the rules. Well done. I think Ministers are very creative because they craft their sermons continuously year round to suit a mixed multitude. Preaching is an art too! Give Lizzie a pat for me! Blessings.
ReplyDeletethanks Sophia
DeleteNurturing and coaxing creativity sounds such a pleasant pastime, as does walking through a forest with a puppy. So much energy and sniffing and exploring. Glad you discovered a haiku on your journeying along with your prescribed number of NHS daily steps.
ReplyDeleteI love the photos Rosalie, I can almost smell the fresh ferns and take in the atmosphere of the forest. Lizzie is very sweet.
ReplyDelete