Yearnings…

Published on by balroop singh
First daffodil of the season.

Ready for imbolc
a sole daffodil stands tall
braving the winter
the message reaches my heart 
I wallow in self-pity
berated by the sunrise.

***

yellow buds shimmer,
hope glints at the horizon
yet shrieks are alive
the depth of winter deepens,
the throttle of night tightens
constricting my blood vessels.

***

far away from you,
winter sparrow is yearning
to fly on impulse –
an unknown destination,
the so-called heaven awaits
in the realms of fantasy.
© Balroop Singh

The challenge this week is to compose a series of Bussokusekika, (syllable count: 5-7-5-7-7-7.) which is an ancient form of waka (tanka). Also use one kigo phrase in each of your three poems. Kigo phrases for the northern hemisphere are:

  1. Imbolc or groundhog day (your choice) – 2 or 3 syllables
  2. Depth of winter – 4 syllables
  3. Winter sparrow – 4 syllables

Thanks to Colleen for the inspiration and instructions to write syllable poetry.

47 thoughts on “Yearnings…”

  3. Oh, this is lovely but still the winter theme which will, no doubt, linger for some time in your heart. Sending hugs.
    I love this:

    “far away from you,
    winter sparrow is yearning
    to fly on impulse –
    an unknown destination,”

    1. Winter is forever going to stay in one corner of my heart Lisa. A loving relationship is never forgotten. Thank you for your love and support dear friend.

  6. The Yellow Daffodil holds its head high, braving its loneliness.. … A clear message in there for you Balroop my friend… Sending Hugs from England… Our Daffs just around 4 inches out of the earth,
    Lots of love to you xx ❤

    1. Daffodils are always the first to bloom and I love them for bringing in cheer even when winter lingers around us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Sue. 🤗

  11. Yearnings such as this are so painful. . . You’ve captured the inner torture and abandonment. Bless you, Balroop. ❤️

  18. Balroop, the bussokuseki is a form I knew you would love. You’ve wrapped your emotions into these verses and I feel your pain. I send you hugs and love hoping the spring and sunshine will add light to your healing heart.

  19. Balroop, I really love your juxtaposition of nature’s resilience with the speaker’s emotional struggle and yearning portrayed in the subsequent verses…

    Much love,
    David

  21. Balroop, the tender relationship of light and dark captured beautifully here - the symbolism of the daffodil shining bright for you and us all. Your work always touches my heart … and you teach me something new each time. Today off hunting for the meaning of imbolc – I like to try and learn at least one new thing each day. Tick! Sending hugs, Annika xx

  22. Another wonderful poem, Balroop. I feel that this one flows on nicely from your last poem that you shared. Really like how you wrote the second stanza. It made me think that sometimes it feels that Spring may be just around the corner, but winter still lingers. I hope you have been doing well. Sending you hugs across the miles ❤

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