behind the doors
of the manse --
bruised reeds
Karen O’Leary
Chinese Translation (Traditional)
牧師館大門
的外面 --
壓傷的蘆葦
Chinese Translation (Simplified)
牧师馆大门
的外面 --
压伤的芦苇
Bio Sketch
Karen O’Leary is a writer and editor from West Fargo, ND. She has published poetry in a variety of venues including, Frogpond, Setu, A Hundred Gourds, Creative Inspirations and NeverEnding Story. She edited an international online journal called Whispers for 5 ½ years. She enjoys sharing the gift of words.
Evaluated in the Biblical context, the contrasts (visual, emotional,theological, ...etc) between the two parts of the haiku are thematically significant and poignant. And the contrasting images of doors of the manse and bruised reeds add emotional and symbolic weight to the haiku.
ReplyDeleteNote:
1 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice ...
Isaiah 42:3, Matthew 12:20; New International Version Bible
2 There are many Bible verses about open doors in relation to salvation, such as the following one:
"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: 'I know your deeds Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
Revelation 3:7-8
Dear Chen-ou,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the poignant analysis and translations of my poem. Yours is the only journal that offers the combination that I am aware of. You offer a rich journey for writers and readers to enjoy here at NeverEnding Story. I appreciate all that you do.
Blessings and best wishes,
Karen
Thank you Mary Jo Balistreri for the following--
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Karen on this poignant poem. I appreciated your analysis, too, Chen-ou as it allowed me to absorb Karen’s haiku on a deeper level. Thank you to both of you.
Dear Mary Jo,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the congrats for both Chen-ou and I. His support and encouragement of Asian poetry in his beautiful journal is both professional and artistic. It is a special pleasure to be published here.
Blessings,
Karen
A place where tradition and prophecy are equally integral, equipped with a bona fide tour guide... Who could ask for more?
ReplyDeleteDear Michael,
DeleteThank you for your kind words, my friend. Wishing you the best always.
Blessings,
Karen
Excellent Karen
ReplyDeleteDear John,
DeleteComing from a gifted haiku writer, your assessment means a lot. Thank you.
Blessings,
Karen
I have truly enjoyed this haiku which leaves us to elicit our own interpretations, which, on my part, are very similar to those of Chen-ou Liu.
ReplyDeleteDear Paul,
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words, my friend. Glad to hear you were to enter this poem seeing the opportunity for others' interpretations. Chen-ou is such a gifted editor and writer. I really like his haiku.
Blessings and best wishes,
Karen
Enjoyed the read, my friend!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Gert
Dear Gert,
DeleteThank you for stopping and commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed my haiku. Best wishes with all of your writing endeavors.
Blessings,
Karen
Congratulations Karen, a lovely piece and a lovely presentation of the work.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts.
DeleteBlessings,
Karen
Beautiful work, Karen. Keep giving us your Haiku.
ReplyDeleteBob Porter
Dear Bob,
DeleteThank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it.
Blessings,
Karen
So the Presbyterian minister got hurt in some way? Interesting work. Sara
ReplyDeleteDear Sara,
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on my haiku. I really appreciate your encouragement.
Blessings,
Karen