Essay: Haiku for His Glory (Solid Food Press)
Haiku for His Glory
I stumbled across haiku during a season of struggling with grief, mental health, and a difficult pregnancy. I can’t remember how I initially encountered haiku and the books that inspired me to begin writing my own, but I recall these micro-poems as one of many lifelines thrown to me during my months spent curled up on the couch or in bed.
A haiku is a 13th-century ‘micro’ poem of 3 lines from Japan. Traditional haiku is made of 17 syllables within the 3 lines (5-7-5) and has a nature theme; either observing a moment in time relating to the power or influence of nature or juxtaposing two contrasting images together. To learn more, visit The Haiku Foundation online. |
It’s not hard to see why it was appealing; these micro poems’ simplicity and “lightness” were an escape in what felt like a heavy and fearful season (King David did not write haiku or poems in short form, but he did write a lot of poetry in the Psalms which was his way of processing life and bringing glory to God). My seemingly complicated world was broken down into manageable chunks every day. Instead of my mind being filled with worry, I was studying and capturing the natural world outside my window… the way the sun hit that perfect dewy leaf or the beautiful chaotic dawn chorus of the birds (we live on the West Coast of Canada, so nature and opportunities to observe it were plentiful!).
And while, in the beginning, it felt silly to be so busy writing micro-poems, I’ve been reminded over the past year that everything, even haiku, can be used for God’s glory. I’ve been learning that every part of my life can be an act of worship to God, and that includes using the creative skills He’s given me with the intent to marvel and glorify the Creator of the subjects I write about. 3 lines of 17-syllables, believe it or not, can help bring me to a place of worship in a few ways, simply in the process of writing it.
float of blossoms this spiral staircase falls endlessly down |
A Time to Rest
In Genesis 1, after speaking the world into being, God rests. Later, in Exodus 20:8-11, He makes resting on the Sabbath one of His Ten Commandments, which only goes to show how strongly He feels about our need to take a break. But in the fast-paced and caffeine-fuelled society that encourages us to strive to the drum of its so eloquently entitled “rat race,” resting is one of the last things we’re good at.
Haiku doesn’t encourage rest for the sake of it, but it does require us to take a minute to pause and observe the world to be able to observe and notice something to write about. While a short pause doesn’t replace the Sabbath, it does get it on the right path toward being reminded how much we need to stop sometimes.
this lonely birch wrapped in an ocean breeze applauding summer |
A Time to Marvel
Traditional haiku is all about nature, observing its power and influence, or capturing a moment in time. And as scripture reminds us, the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1), and God’s qualities can be seen in what he has created (Romans 1:20). From observing nature to be able to find inspiration for my haiku, I can’t help but admire all He has created and glorify him. These moments make me more aware of his presence, all he has done and is capable of doing (even in my own life), and the love and care he has for all he has created.
These ‘haiku moments’ draw me deeper into the heart of God and awareness of Him.
rising, falling cloud dunes sweep the day away |
A Time for Gratitude
It’s impossible to look at the beauty of the natural world and not feel an ounce of gratitude if you know and love its creator. God didn’t have to make half of it, but he did; to display his glory, to give us a beautiful place to live in, to remind us of his power, and to show us his love and care for us. These brief moments in composing a haiku bring me to a place of thankfulness for all of it.
star shaped crackers my son’s mouth full of grumbling constellations |
A Time to Glorify
The result of stopping, observing, and capturing these moments is a haiku. As I share my haiku with other poets, haiku organizations and events, or my creative community, I hope to bring glory to him by reminding people that the greatest beauty in a created world is that there must be a creator, and one worthy to be praised. Encouraging others to observe the natural world will hopefully lead them to come to the same conclusions… to wonder about its creator (if they don’t already know Him), to be encouraged in their faith, to take time out of a stressful day to stop, breathe and observe, and finally, to marvel at the created and glorify the creator.
ribbon of bright light the struggle and spreading of this hopeful Spring dawn |
Haiku isn’t perfect; nothing outside God is, but the practice of it does bring me to a perfect place to grow in my love, awareness, and gratitude for God. He has used it to draw me close and invite me to marvel at the world.
If the heavens declare the glory of his and the skies proclaim his work (Psalm 19:1), then I am listening like I never have before. If his invisible qualities, eternal power, and divine nature are seen and understood from what has been made (Romans 1:20), I am finally watching.
My three lines of 17 syllables aren’t much to look at for some, perhaps, but for others they offer a small lens to the beauty, creativity, and bountiful gifts of a generous and loving God, worthy to be praised.