A Haiku Offering

Apr 8

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InFlection

by J.W. Arthur

Death—memories fade, her smile—like the sun—remains, foolish pride to blame.

A deceptively simple haiku. While I chose not to explicitly incorporate themes of nature or the changing seasons, my thoughts concerning death align with these concepts on a much deeper level. In my view, death represents transition and renewal, much like the cycles of nature.

Its 5-7-5 syllable structure adheres.

Its first two lines are purposefully repetitive of remembrance: memories fade and her smile...remains.

The simile compares her smile to the sun’s permanence.

The first two lines—rooted in memory—juxtapose with the third line: foolish pride to blame—regret.

The title is a play on words, incorporating introspection and reflection, capturing both elements of the haiku.

Smiles are powerful and lasting, which Is why I anchored this haiku in its image—the central stabilizing feature, tying the piece together.

"Drowning in a sea of regret, the warmth of her smile comforted him, numbing the final flickering moments of brain activity—ending his soul's despair."