 Happy Sunday! Have you read the Sunday paper today? How about the comics? Have you finished the crossword puzzle? I'm not sure they even have cartoons or crossword puzzles anymore. Does anyone remember the want ads? I'm showing my age... Back to the future... In honor of the Sunday newspaper, the Sunday funnies, crosswords, and Dear Abbey, I will be posting The Sunday Poems! Today's poems are an eclectic mix, sort of like my brain. A sign from heaven is one of my Holocaust poems, written about my mother-in-law's experiences during her time at Stutthof concentration camp. The Old pond by Matsuo Basho is one of the most famous haiku in the world! Reflecting pond is my attempt at a humorous poem, inspired by Basho's Old pond. Note how I referenced my poem giving Basho credit, whether he wants it or not! Issa's poem Even the insects, is an interesting take of the musical abilities of insects, or is it? Is there a metaphor? Perhaps! Starry night is one of my favorite haiku. It paints a pretty picture, doesn't it? I want to end this week's collection of poems with my haibun, Grace 1963- I think it is fitting considering all the chaos that is going on in the world. And certainly, it is the perfect ending for my mother-in-law's story. If you have any requests or would like to contribute, let me know via the contact form on the home page. Tag your message, "Sunday Poems." PS I would love some reader participation as I don't want to bore you with just my poems, and besides, I might run out! :) Sunday Blessings, Susan  A sign from heaven Her leg hurts like the devil, behind barrack 22 she hides with Dorka, between the straw mattresses, with the lice, until it is dark… Beshert the lines on mother’s hands Susan Beth Furst Cattails Haiku Old pond a frog jumps in the sound of water Matsuo Basho, 1686 reflecting pond a worm plops in mackerel sky After Matsuo Basho Susan Beth Furst Even the insects... some can sing, some can't. Kobayashi Issa starry night Vincent dances with fireflies Susan Beth Furst Presence Grace 1963- White blossoms in the lily pond, tadpoles and minnows beneath the dark surface, and frogs sitting fat in the green rushes. My sisters and me bring baskets of Easter flowers to decorate great-grandma’s grave. At the top of the hill we stand tiptoe and turn the knob on the old water pipe. It begins to creak and shake, water splashes our upturned faces, spilling over our buckets, filling our shoes. We dance in the puddles and slosh in the mud, dragging our pails behind us. evening rain-- that peculiar scent of hyacinth Susan Beth Furst Under The Basho 
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 What do flamingos in Santa hats, an old streetlight, and Elvis have in common? You can find them in the land of Neon Snow. Come and see the shivering tinsel, listen to a lullaby in Harlem, or take a short trip to Appalachia. You will see Christmas in a different light! Neon!!! I am pleased to announce the publication of Neon Snow: A Collection of Christmas Haiku 20019! Why Christmas haiku? Well, What better way to celebrate the season than by taking some time to contemplate each tiny poem, preferably with a cup of hot chocolate, or your favorite tea! Oh, and a Christmas cookie or two! Did you know that haiku have healing properties? As you read them or write them, if you are so inclined, you will find that you can relax and de-stress from all of that Christmas shopping. Neon Snow: A Collection of Christmas Haiku, makes a great Christmas gift. Get yours online! Neon Snow, published Silver Bell Books, August 2019. Neon Snow is available @ www.lulu.com. Signed copies are available here @www.beautifuldefect.com/store See what people are saying about Neon Snow. From beloved Christmas tunes to Santa pins, these fanciful yet rich haiku shine a resonant light on tried-and-true imagery of the season. Susan Beth Furst demonstrates a keen eye for personal and cultural expectations. Each haiku is an extraordinary moment to celebrate and to think about our own hopes, both dashed and fulfilled. Melanie Faith, Author of In a Flash!, Poetry Power, & Photography for Writers. Five Star Review on www.lulu.com Neon Snow has wonderful haiku gifts for everyone to unwrap. From childhood memories of the gingerbread man and jelly donuts to Elvis tunes, Susan Furst will transport you to extraordinary moments of the Christmas season. Savor each page slowly and see where it takes you. Chrissi  goldfish pond my wishes disappear one by one I am very happy to have my monoku "goldfish pond," included in A Moment's Longing, the Haiku Society of America's Member's Anthology, 2019. Many thanks to editor Tanya McDonald!
 Over one hundred poets from around the world were represented in the 2019 Golden Haiku Awards. Beautiful signs showcasing the spring themed haiku were posted in tree boxes along the sidewalks of Washington D.C. I was honored for the second year in a row, to have my haiku chosen from among almost 2,000 entries! Here is my sign and haiku on 15th and N!  The Desert Room, Phipps Conservatory (2019) Shahai (photograph & haiku) by SusanBethFurst Oz, the land of lollipops and ruby slippers, and lions, and tigers, and bears...
Oh my! What's a little girl to do? She picks up her little dog and her picnic basket, and ventures down the yellow brick path, in search of the Wizard with all the answers. Along the way she makes a few friends and enemies... Finally the Emerald City in a field of Poppies, if she just wasn't so tired... The good witch intervenes. The great and powerful Oz turns out to be not so much. The wicked witch almost gets her way, but she melts like a ball of wax in the hot Kansas sun. What's a little girl to do? She believed! And so she lives happily ever after... 3:16 |