Thursday, December 29, 2016

Butterfly Dream: Windstorm Haiku by Karen O’Leary

English Original

windstorm
the wheat bent
but not broken

Showcase Haiku, Sketchbook, 6:5, September/October 2011

Karen O’Leary


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

風暴
小麥彎曲
但不斷裂

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

风暴
小麦弯曲
但不断裂


Bio Sketch

Karen O’Leary is a writer and editor from West Fargo, ND.  She has published poetry, short stories, and articles in a variety of venues including, Frogpond, A Hundred Gourds, Haiku Pix, Sharpening the Green Pencil 2014, Now This: Contemporary Poems of Beginnings, Renewals and Firsts, Creative Inspirations, and Poems of the World.  She currently edits an online poetry journal called Whispers

22 comments:

  1. Karen employs the zoom-in technique to describe a natural scene that is infused with emotional weight and philosophical depth. Her haiku reminds me one of Confucius's teachings:

    The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm.

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  2. Dear Chen-ou,

    It is such an honor to be published at your beautiful journal again. I appreciate the time you put into the translations too. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity and the time you put into translating my poetry. Wishing you the best!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  3. I have seen such an occurrence, but with corn, flattened to the point, it appeared the stand was lost. A day later, the comeback was on.

    Karen's poem brought all that visual right back, as though it was yesterday.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Michael,

      Thank you so much, my friend. Your encouragement and support mean a lot to me. Have a wonderful New Year filled with joy and hope.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  4. Dear Karen,
    Congratulations on this prestige placement.
    I think your haiku resonates with profound life-lessons.
    Blessings,
    Michael

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    Replies
    1. Dear Michael,

      Thank you for these lovely words, my friend. Chen-ou graciously has published my poem in such an artistic manner--complete with the translations. What a gift! I appreciate all you do for me. Wishing you a New Year filled with joy.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  5. Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Kelley. Your ongoing encouragement is greatly appreciated. I hope you have a wonderful New Year, filled with hope.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  6. Karen, the poem speaks for and to all of us -
    best,
    ayaz daryl nielsen

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    Replies
    1. Dear ayaz,

      Thank you for your kind words, my friend. I appreciate all you do for me. Wishing your ongoing success with your writing. May your New Year be filled with joy!

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  7. Very expressive of life's trials..Sara

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    Replies
    1. Dear Sara,

      Thank you for seeing what is beyond the literal meaning to the deeper meaning I hoped it would convey. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. Wishing you a New Year filled with joy and hope.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  8. Congratulations, Karen. In spite of life's tribulations, those with courage and faith manage to cope and move forward. Regards // paul

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    Replies
    1. Dear Paul,

      You have found the deeper meaning in my poem. Thank you for seeing beyond the surface. I appreciate your ongoing encouragement. Have a wonderful New Year filled with joy!

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  9. I've come here late--we might be in the first hours of 2017 and in reading your profound haiku, I see our journey--in spite of life's curve's, we find a way to survive and even thrive. Great way to begin the new year.

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    1. Dear Mary Jo,

      Thank you for your insightful and lovely thoughts on my poem. It is such a pleasure to share the gift of words. May your new year be filled with blessings and hope.

      Love,
      Karen

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  10. A wonderful poem to read as we ring in the new year Karen. With but a tiny bit of faith to carry us through miracles happen. I love your poem and congratulate you on having it honored here. Blessings for a happy and healthy new year!
    New year's cheer...Connie

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    Replies
    1. Dear Connie,

      Thank you for your lovely thoughts to begin this New Year sharing our words. I appreciate your ongoing gift of encouragement, my friend.

      Love,
      Karen

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  11. I loved this work Karen, congratulations on having it published here. Happy New Year and best to you always!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Peggy! You are such a encouraging voice, a gift in my life. Wishing you a New Year filled with joy and blessings.

      Love,
      Karen

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  12. What a beautiful poem with which to greet the New Year. Thank you for publishing this lovely haiku.

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  13. Dear Nila,

    Thank you so much, my friend. You are such a light in my life, so encouraging and caring. May you find blessings and hope this New Year.

    Love,
    Karen

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