Before the ink dried on the contract for the home we currently lease (while we look for one to purchase), we were adopted by a cat. Not just any cat. A tortoiseshell cat. Different from calico cats, “torties” have no white in their coat. And though she’s a female, we call her Finnegan.
Drawn to traditional Japanese Haiku since elementary school where it was introduced to me by my fifth grade teacher — Mrs. Kline — I love the simplicity and direct expression found in three stark lines for a total of 17 syllables:
5 syllables in the first line
7 syllables in the second line
5 syllables in the third line
With that in mind, here’s my nod to Finnegan:
Eyes closed satisfied
back arching on tiptoed paws
into affection.
Do you Haiku?
Tuesdays with Laurie 
As much as I’d love to, I have no talent in that area. 🙂
The Vanilla Housewife – It’s fun to try to convey an idea in a limited number of syllables 🙂
I do Haiku! I love the challenge of using so few words to express a remarkable moment. Love your nod to Finnegan – she’s such a pretty and affectionate tortoiseshell and I’ve become partial to them – perhaps I will write one for Zoë some day.
Barbara – I love the way you describe Haiku: “the challenge of using so few words to express a remarkable moment.” I’ll be looking for an “Ode to Zoë” on your blog one of these days 🙂
great haiku:) Finnegan is a cute – will you call her Finny for short?
I love haiku – sometimes they come easy, and sometimes they do not, but they can say so much in such few words.
Words4jp – We do, indeed, call her Finny. I’m glad that you, too, enjoy the challenge of Haiku 🙂
I used to Haiku, but it’s been a very long time. You were adopted by a real cutie. Of course I’m partial to calicos/torties. Of course that’s because one is part of our family. Before that I was partial to black cats when Hershey was with us.
Espirational — It sounds like you are in a long line of cats who’ve adored you. And that’s a wonderful thing to be, “owned” by a cat 🙂
you mean I would have to think to write a poem? LOL I love you sweet little cat! what do the dogs think?
Jeff – Lexi and Willa are both in “Let me at her!” mode. They don’t realize that she’s a little stick of dynamite who could put them in a “world of hurt” if they mess with her 🙂
LOL good for her!
I do Haiku, too. it’s a perfect distillation and slides down the mind like a fine whiskey in the throat…preferably John Jameson’s Irish Whiskey.
Carol Ann – I’m oh-so going to blatantly use what you’ve just written. I love it! Once I figure out where, I’ll point the credit to you 🙂
Oh, my, thank you, Laurie. I am honored. Right now, I am reading Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx, a masterful storyteller, who carves out her characters with such palpably precise descriptives that they are breathing next to you. I love the open west and reading her book is like a longed for visit home.
Carol Ann – I’ve made note of your book recommendation on my “must-read” list. THANK YOU! 🙂
It is fun to haiku, though I appreciate the work of others more than my own efforts. Yours is a dandy. Pretty cat, too!
Cindy – I agree, it’s FUN to Haiku. Thank you for stopping by today 🙂
Love Finnegan’s Haiku!
I discovered haiku recently and posted my first one last week when I was inspired by the hosts and astilbe in my shade garden.
Soothing creams and white
Sitting on a quilt of green
A shadow Presence
Val x
Val – Your Haiku is lovely. Absolutely lovely 🙂
Sometimes Laurie I Haiku. I like you the simplicity is active. What a lovely cat and you have captured her so perfectly in words and pictures. I am sure she enjoys having you as her house guest 😉
Terrill – She likes us just fine when we feed her on time. If she perceives we’re off (her) schedule a bit, she dances, prances, and meows to beat the band. I think it’s her way of scolding us…
Ah yes dear Laurie. Beautiful is the Haiku. And kitty cat too:)
Alison – I love your perfect Haiku response 🙂
I love Haiku. It is so wonderful for the brain to be able to capture your thoughts in a minimal amount of words in a numbered syllable pattern. I used to have my students write Haiku every year.!
Time With Thea – It definitely speaks to my minimalist heart. And even though it tends to be more difficult to write something short and in a specific pattern, I enjoy the challenge 🙂
No time for haiku
memoir blog survival call
fingers itch for more
Joan – Even though you can’t see me, you are getting my standing ovation and thunderous clapping! 🙂
Love it!
Life is a river
Oh how I want to turn back
Yet it keeps flowing
Robin — I LOVE IT! 🙂
I do not haiku. However, I enjoy reading others who haiku and cats who inspire it. Hello to Finnegan!
Kathy – Isn’t she a beauty? And she’s full of sass! She sashay’s in front of the window intentionally to drive our two dogs crazy! 🙂
What an adorable queen. I write very little poetry but that hasn’t stopped me from writing about my cats. They are so inspiring.
Happy Canada Day
Leanne – Happy Canada Day to You, too! 🙂 Cats are, indeed, inspiring. I love their fiercely independent spirit.
Finnegan is one
adorable kitty cat
wise and noble heart
I love haiku too and remember some wonderful examples I got from my 4th graders long ago. It’s appealing because it speaks of minimalism and vivid imagery.
Maybe I’ll indulge myself later and write a haiku specially for today, a shiny penny kind of day, as you would say. Lovely cat, that Finnegan.
Marian – My hat is off to teachers like yourself (current and past) who shared this art form with their students. Fifth grade was the one and only introduction I ever received. If not for Mrs. Kline, I would have missed out on the enjoyment of it all. THANK YOU for your positive thumbprint on this planet 🙂
Hi Laurie , I love Finnegan …a real stunner . I love the poem the poem you wrote I have never had a go at haiku
but here goes .
We are having a wonderful summer here in England as you know we are usually known for grey skies .
Beautiful summer
English country lanes blooming
Poppies cowslips dream.
Cherryx
Cherry — Oh my gosh, I LOVE IT! My hat is off to your lovely Haiku! 🙂
If I read a great many haikus in form. I can do it. But most of the time no. I have difficulties with rhythm Ended my music career early on and now as I grow older it interfere s even more. My children are masters at it and I love their funny quips
Patricia – The good news is that your children can do it AND make you laugh. That’s wonderful! 🙂
+1 I will haiku again…..
Kimmie
[image: Inline image 1]
*”I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining.* *I believe in love, even when I’m alone* *I believe in God, even when He is silent.” *
Kimmie – This is lovely. Absolutely lovely. I’m glad you shared it here 🙂
Precious kitty. I should haiku, but haven’t in decades. Love this post, Laurie!
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
Kathy – If your past haiku’s are anything like your other artwork, than they are STUNNING! 🙂
Haiku absent since
Latter days of teenage-hood
Retrying intrigues
Ted – WHOOHOO! WAY TO GO!
And if I know you like I think I do, you’ve probably written 17 more beautiful ones since this. Especially since you’re a wee bit less mobile with a broken collar bone 🙂
less mobile I am
less busy alas yet not
beauty in beholder
Ted — You crack me up; I love it! 🙂
To answer your question: not really, but hard to focus on much today, so here goes nothing:
Plastic on windows
Random pounding time to time
Painters prepping house
Julie – You conveyed a lot in the wonderful haiku word picture you painted. I can practically see what’s going on at your house 🙂
I have not Haiku’d, but I love yours. Beautiful cat!
Becwillmylife – Thank you! 🙂
Laurie, I do not but appreciate other peoples talent in that area. Brevity is something I also appreciate, getting the point across in as few words as possible appeals to me. I would Haiku phone calls if possible. You have Finnigan down pat!
Sandi – I’m cracking up at the idea of “Haiku Phone Calls.” I love it! 🙂
Laurie, I have indeed “haikued” in my elementary school classes, where I have taught the style to students. It’s never easy to be economical, but I have always found this loads of fun! You frame your new boarder quite well there, and what a boarder she is! And I really do love that name Finnegan. Have a very great week my friend!
Sam – I had the sneaking suspicion that as a teacher you’ve “haikued” and taught it as well. I’m just back online after a nice long visit from my sister. I went to the post office box today as well 🙂 and will cover that in a separate email 🙂
I have never tried Haiku. I’m not sure I could ever limit the number of words I use.
Carol – I’m just now back online after a nice long visit from my sister. You “say” so much with your gorgeous photography, even if you didn’t say a word, I’d know what you mean 🙂
A lovely haiku, Laurie 🙂
Readinpleasure – Thank you 🙂
love this. I have been working at a vet for about six months now. it is a completely new experience and teaching me tons. I have always been a “cat” person and just love kitties of all shapes and sizes. Finnigan is beautiful!
Victoria – Thank you! 🙂
I was traveling and missed my Tuesdays fix. But Haiku is a great challenge for the traveler.
So much new to know.
Each minute another sense
Bursts into full bloom.
Shirley – I love your Haiku! I’m just now resurfacing after a nice long visit from my sister. We leave tomorrow (07-08-14) to see you at Third Place Books at 7pm in Seattle on the 9th. Whoohoo — I’m looking forward to it! 🙂
It’s wonderful to be adopted, isn’t it!? I loved your haiku, and I haiku quite regularly too 🙂
Tiny – I’m glad you haiku. And yes, being adopted by this lovely feline has been amazing 🙂
black cat lingering
she’s hiding in the shadows
adoption pending
You probably remember I have a large dog, and a small one, neither of which are kitty friendly. A neighbor recently moved out, and apparently left a skinny black cat behind (and, yes, it saddens my heart that people do this). The cat has been loitering consistently on my back patio, putting herself in danger every time. My big dog is serious about tangling with her, so I’m exercising extreme caution before I open the door to let them out these days. So far, no cat-to-dog explosions.
I keep trying to resist, but haven’t been able to stop myself from putting food out for her on the front porch. No kitty should have to fend for herself, especially in this sweltering heat. So I make sure she has food and water, and even though I don’t like to make it official, apparently, the adoption is pending.
Ntexas99 – Ohhhhh, I’m so happy that you’re feeding your new friend on the front porch (out of harm’s way). And I love your Haiku! 🙂
We had a tortie
Corfu, sweetest cat ever
Fondly remembered
I’ve done some Haiku on my blog in years past, always liked the discipline. Should do it more. Thanks for triggering memories of the best cat I ever owned.
Chris
Chris – I love your haiku, thank you for sharing it here 🙂