A Shuttered Window

[MHenry]

A Shuttered Window

A shuttered window
Cuckold husband hides in dark
What goes on inside

Your mind - a shattered
Window - pieces of our lives
Lay in broken shards

Husband unappeased
Visits nearby comfort house
Drowns in hot sake

Familiar foot path
Estranged - paved with betrayal
Husband turns westward

Giant fireball sun
Sets over snowcapped Fuji
Heart sinks in cold chest

Lonely moonlit beach
Pebbles glint in sand - husband
Ponders life's meaning

Finding none, husband
Swims far out to sea - exhales
Fuji disappears

Husband's body found
Floating - seaweed in his mouth
Briny, bitter taste

Unfaithful consort
Hence, discovered, ostracized
Disgraced concubine

Finds husband's dagger
Lifts kimono - bares belly
For hara-kiri

Honorable death
Wide-eyed, one-year old daughter
Fujiko - orphaned

[RhymeLovingWriter]

Oh my gosh...I want to cry! Forget that you've somehow managed to successfully employ an ELEVEN-CHAIN haiku (and I thought shooting for 10 would be pretty darn good)! Really MHenry, this is outstanding. I just want to read it again and again - even though the story breaks my heart. Awe-inspiring. My thanks.

[MHenry]

Thank you, RLW! Your comment makes me want to cry! I appreciate so much your support and encouragement. It's what keeps me writing.

[grant hayes]

Haiku-tragedy in old Japan! The demise of the couple proceeds with a relentless tread to the devastating conclusion of the infant's witness. You're breaking our hearts here!! From the outcast in a coal-hearted congregation, to the non-believer and his bleak fate, and now to a hara-kiri concubine, your human characters have a really hard time of it, MHenry. Their prospects are as grim as a character on Game of Thrones! (Then again, the outcast was rescued by a golden-winged angel, so I suppose there are some shafts of light.) I imagine you are a gladsome fellow in real life, having worked catharsis in your powerful poems.

[MHenry]

I have been scrupulously keeping my dark side in check, not wanting to go Darth Vader in the forum, but my cup runneth over!

Having now been publicly 'outed,' I suppose discretion should dictate the timing of my next storied victim, who has just been written into oblivion.

[grant hayes]

Mate, if the dark side is your gig, write it. 'Too much sunshine makes a desert' - Arab saying.

[MHenry]

You say that now..., but will you still like me in the morning?

[AlexandratheLate]

This is so sad, MH, but beautifully done.

[MHenry]

thank you, AG!

[Brainwreck]

Seems like one toe into the abyss will suck the whole body in. Danger, Danger.

[MHenry]

In horror movies, one should never stick one's toe into the abyss. In life, the abysses are not so apparent. That is why there are so many bruised toes, scraped knees, broken hearts, and bloodied knuckles.

[MHenry]

The basic story line of the Ugly Duckling is that after suffering for so long under a negative self-image, because it was different from all the other ducks, it finally discovered it was actually a beautiful swan. It's kind of a Cinderella story without the pumpkins.

[Brainwreck]

Oh yea, Now I remember the swan. Hey, I was wondering why you chose Japan and Mr. Fuji. Have you been or
just trying to let it be know that the haiku is Japanese? I love Japanese candlesticks for the stock market. By far
the easiest to see and show lots of information. They started several hundred years ago using it for trading rice.
The dictionary still does not know what a morning doji star is. Hanging man, spinning star, Tasuki gar, hammer, homing pigeon, evening
doji star, abandoned baby. I have a cheat sheet that I use.

[MHenry]

I am not sure what made me go Japanese on this, but it seemed most appropriate as the story unfolded.

As a matter of fact, I have been to Japan, and I had a view of Mt. Fuji. It was a beautiful sight and left a lasting impression (evidently). I happen to love the Japanese culture and the artful way they do everything from haiku, to sushi, bonsai, origami, go (igo, baduk, or weiqi), samurai, kimono's, temples, and I suppose the list goes on indefinitely.

Write some poetry about the morning doji star, Brainwreck, and the other things you know about. Teach us.

[graydon archer]

Twofold comment... First let me say M, another wonderful write, from the first syllable to the last; Bravo maestro! Secondly, as to your Ugly Duckling scenario for Brain. There's one decidedly dissimilar aspect; the Ugly Duckling didn't have someone as obviously compassionate as you providing words of encouragement.

[Brainwreck]

Awe, Gradon, that is so nice. I surprises y'all still read me. I also have other mentors.

[MHenry]

Thank you, graydon, you make my heart swell!