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I am joining Elisabeth from The Dirigible Plum in writing a Haiku-A-Day during the month of December. Please let me know if you are posting a Haiku-A-Day too! I would love to read your work.
Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #4: Quiet Walks
Podcasts and audio books are among some of my favorite forms of media. At one time I wouldn't leave my house for a walk or run without downloading an episode of Heavyweight or On Being. If I was in the middle of listening to an audio book, I made certain that each section was downloaded and ready for me to listen to. Then we got our second dog, Hondo - a temperamental border collie pup. It became challenging for me to focus on walking Hondo if I was paying attention to anything else. He didn't heal very well. He pulled on the leash, often knocking out my earbuds. And so, I was forced to leave my earbuds at home - my iPhone safely stashed in my pocket. I didn't give up listening to podcasts or audio books, but I stopped listening to them when I walked our dogs.
After a few weeks without technology, I got used to quiet walks. I don't regret this change like I thought I would.
Now I notice more of what is happening around me - bird calls, sunrises, ice cracking on sidewalks, and even the rhythm of my steps. For some reason, I was thinking about this on today's early morning walk with Hondo.
Here's my Haiku for today in the form of a double Haiku:
Former walks filled with
podcast banter. Audible.
Mind distracted snips.
Now strolls sans earbuds.
Paws pattering on pavement.
Observing what calms.
Thank you for sharing your haiku-a-day. I love how you set it up. I'm going to try that next week. I love the idea of haiku-a-day, but I have commitment issues. I did give it a try today though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emily! I would love to see what you come up with!
DeleteLove the alliteration and the way you play with rhythm here. The one-word "audible" in the first stanza and the third line of the second stanza really stand out to me. Also, I'm impressed with you and Elisabeth for taking on anything once a day during holiday season. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda! It is actually kind of fun. I like the focus that Haiku gives me when I tend to easily get overwhelmed!
Delete"Observing what calms" - wishing you and myself more of this.
ReplyDeleteThank you! This is what I constantly yearn for!
DeleteWonderful. And I agree that there is much to be missed when "wired" for sound during all of our down time. I've been thinking that I need to try driving home from school -- just 25 minutes -- in peace and quiet. When I turn the car on I automatically put on the radio or start a podcast. It would be good to savor this time all to myself.
ReplyDeleteThese are so lovely! "Observing what calms" is such a strong line. I love the story here too.
ReplyDelete