Haiku & Other Poetry, tutto e niente

W3-Hay(na)ku Poetry

Tina Stewart Brakebill

First Love

momentarily 

holding space

we breathe together

 

Brotherly Love

memories

fighting words

partners in crime

 

Learning to Love Myself

rejection

internalized antipathy 

acceptance at last

 

Not Love

starstruck

stood up

it’s not you

 

Endless Love

together

holding space

a timeless moment

Photo by Loe Moshkovska on Pexels.com

 

Inspired by Michelle’s poem, this week’s W3 challenge (in short): Write 5 separate Hay(na)ku poems, each about a different aspect of love, including (but not limited to) the following:

  • Romantic love
  • Familial love
  • Self-love
  • Unrequited love
  • Enduring/timeless love

Each poem should stand alone but together create a layered meditation on love.

Form: Hay(na)ku poetry series

Invented by: Filipino poet Eileen Tabios (2003). Structure (per poem):

  • Line 1 → 1 word
  • Line 2 → 2 words
  • Line 3 → 3 words

No rules for rhyme, rhythm, or subject beyond the word count.

Check out Michelle’s poem and more detailed instructions below.

W3 Prompt #179: Wea’ve Written Weekly
Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

probably …

Tina Stewart Brakebill

“The opportunity of a lifetime passed before him as he tried to decide between a cone or a cup.” The thought should probably terrify him.

 The woman waiting to scoop his mint chocolate chip (or possibly pistachio) ice cream had actually said “it’s not the opportunity of a lifetime. Pick one.”

 She had laughed as she said it, but he could feel life passing him by as he dithered, yet again.

 If he was keeping score (which he was) this was the 17th time today he had agonized over an arguably simple decision.  Eventually he decided by not deciding. Instead, he walked away empty handed.

 He knew why he was spinning in circles: he needed to make what was probably the biggest decision of his life.

 As he slid the key into the lock, he made a promise to himself: “I will decide today. Or maybe tomorrow. Tomorrow might be better. But definitely this week. Probably.”  

Photo by Michaela St on Pexels.com

 Thanks for the inspiration to Fandango’s word of the day (LOCK) and the Writers Workshop prompts of SCORE and the opening line. 

FOWC With Fandango — Lock
This Week’s Writer’s Workshop Prompts: October 2, 2025

 

Haiku & Other Poetry, tutto e niente

tanka tuesday-Bashō

Tina Stewart Brakebill

the light of a star

as our journey’s companion  

may shine like a sun

wall of sound

the echo of time

journey’s end

Photo by Troy Tumbin on Pexels.com

 Today, our Tanka Tuesday prompt is to write haiku in the style of Bashō. I’m not sure if I succeeded but I enjoyed the challenge. Thanks to Selma for hosting Tanka Tuesday.

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 32, Haiku Like Bashō, 09/30/25

 

Haiku & Other Poetry, Random Rants, tutto e niente

falling

Tina Stewart Brakebill

I love the Fall. I love jackets and scarves and boots and hot chocolate and blustery days. But I also love the feel of Fall. I love knowing that the changing colors and the bare tree branches aren’t just about the end of summer. Falling leaves are a vital part of the cycle of life. I also love the crackle under our feet when I’m walking hand and hand with my guy. We’ve had a lot of Autumn walks in our many years together and Autumn really does bring renewed love.

But mostly, I love the BOOTS!

—————————————————————————————-

memories unwind

of soft scarves and falling leaves

autumn’s love renewed 

thanks for a great inspiration. 

Haibun: “The Fall of the Leaf”