balroop singh

Morbid Moments & Spring Whispers…

Published on March 5, 2024 by balroop singh63 Comments

I have returned but am still struggling to accept the misfortune that befell me, still unable to forget the shocking moments – when the most loved and respected person in my life was suddenly snatched away from me. As if that was not enough, I lost my mom too and had to rush to India to be with my siblings. Dumbstruck, we hugged each other, mourning the double loss.

a meandering mind
no inspiration to write
I drift with moments

such morbid moments
that question the unperceived
but no one answers!

choked beyond spirit
I wander in search of muse
delusions abound.

Held hostage by a wintery heart, I am trying to ignite the embers of life by welcoming spring. In this part of California, the trees have blossomed and daffodils and tulips can be seen all around though some clouds still linger at the horizon. Thanks to Colleen’s 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, I could barely manage a Butterfly Cinquain.

Spring Whispers

March winds
knock at the door
shake me out of slumber
spring returns with a song of hope,
perks up –
murmuring melodies of faith
igniting self-belief –
admire the sun
sans you.
© Balroop Singh

Thank you dear readers for your love and support.

Yearnings…

Published on January 30, 2024 by balroop singh47 Comments

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:

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

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

Winter Woes

Published on January 24, 2024 by balroop singh64 Comments

chilly winds incise
frozen like an icicle
I sit, sedated.
dark clouds hover like eagles
cold snowstorms pierce through my heart

***

each morning ambles
wearing wintery blanket
yearning for some light
bare branches share the secrets
I try to bury within

***

a colorless life
A garland of icicles —
juxtaposition
A beauty that hits deeper
desolation sores
© Balroop Singh

Thanks to Colleen for the inspiration to write syllabic poetry.

My kigo words this week: icicles, bare branches, cold snowstorms.

Winter Whispers

Published on January 16, 2024 by balroop singh50 Comments

Winter in the Country, c. 1859 by George Henry Durrie, Artist from the National Gallery of Art

Winter Whispers

Dare I step out on this winter morning when all I want is to close all the doors on the soft glow of morning that is offering hope, a hope I want to reject, a hope that seems meaningless at this hour? An unknown force pulled me out of the grieving grave, whispering in my ear – I am with you; look within; my love will forever guide you out of this darkness. I stumbled out.

snowy path ahead
new beginnings beckoning
despite the cold clouds

Stony eyed, I turn back and look at the cottage that was full of life once. Withering winds of wet winter could never deter our pleasure of enjoying long walks – togetherness that was the envy of many.

winter moon beaming
unaware of dismal songs
reverberating

Thanks to Colleen for the inspiration to write syllabic poetry.

The challenge this week is: you choose the form, and you choose the past season, and the winter kigo words or use the piece of art above, as an inspiration. You must use at least one kigo word in your poem. Remember, if you write a haibun or a haiku, the kigo word is required in the haiku.

Kigo word used: new beginnings, cold clouds, winter moon.

#Snowstorm

Published on January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 by balroop singh45 Comments

Snowstorm

An endless walk into snowy sadness – the serene landscape of winter, breathing bubbles of loneliness that threatens to last forever. I gape at the beauty, wrapped in a deceitful cloak of hope that is phony. Frozen tears sheathe my vision; I can’t see beyond winter snow. Burying my face in the scarf, I wander in this desolation, shivering.

Thanks to Colleen for the inspiration to write syllabic poetry. The challenge is to compose a haibun, with at least one haiku, using a Kigo word.

Kigo words that I chose for this challenge: cold clouds.