Chasing the Squirrel

Global Haiku Traditions, 2017

by

Kalli Farmer & Roommates

Chasing the Squirrel

the tulip petal
passes by the little girl
bringing a smile to her face

she grabs the petal
remembering her sister

her gaze changes
the trees
start whispering

the leaves peak out
spring time

the crescent moon
marks the night
as the sunset ends

her eyes close
waiting for the new
day to begin

•

morning dew
on the grass
and on her cheek

the dog rushes through the yard
chasing the squirrel

hummingbird perched
on the branch sings
it’s morning tune

the peaceful sounds are overcome
by the city’s streets

she measures her importance
just as a number
within the metropolis

left . . . right . . . left
she stomps through the day

•

the lunar shape
of the necklace
glistens in the daylight

the cracks in the street show
the earth that was there before

she ignores
the surroundings
thinking about her to-do list

life is too short
to have it all planned out

a man bumps into the woman
as she stops — admiring
the cherry blossoms

it opens her eyes
to what could be

• • •