Notes About The Poem

(Entry for the Tanka-Haiku Poetry Contest, sponsored by Oliver Mckeithan, submitted August 2, 2025 - First Place)

Forest Primeval

a leisurely stroll,
walking alone in the park,
I voice deep secrets -
thoughts that I have never shared - 
with the forest primeval

verdant, sheltering,
it absorbs the unrevealed ~
nature is opaque
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Godwin Avatar
August 19, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Did a great job here. When I started at Soup a high rated poet here taught me 'truths' about haikus, truths many don't apply and that technically make their haiku wrong. Basically, no capital letters, no punctuation and third line should be a kicker, the unexpected. At the end of the 2nd line a dash or ~ is good before the kicker. You didn't ask, yet I told, hope that's ok. My Mom might say I'm being rude. I like your 'kicker'. Poetry hugs ... CayCay (I don't remember)
Godwin Avatar
August 19, 2025 at 8:47 PM
My bad, not called 'kicker', called ' kigo'
Healey Avatar
August 19, 2025 at 8:04 PM
I don't think you're being rude at all. Glad to know that my haiku fit the proper criteria! Thanks for the positive reinforcement. I appreciate it.
Dietrich Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Very nicely done. Congrats, Jim
Healey Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Thank you, Andrea.
Anaya Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Love that I can resonate well with your genuine thoughts of the forest (on my hiking experiences), you've captured much of what I felt, Jim. Congratulations on your placement!__Anaya
Healey Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Thank you, Anaya. Glad you enjoyed. Take care. Jim
Canerdy Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Jim, this is a very lovely piece. CONGRATS on your win. Janice
Healey Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Thank you, Janice. I appreciate your kind words. Cheers from Canada. Jim
Kendrick Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Congratulations on your winning work in the contest. Way to go. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Sara K
Healey Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Thank you, Sara. Glad you enjoyed. Cheers from Canada. Jim
Zahid Avatar
August 3, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Congratulations on your placement Jim
Healey Avatar
August 3, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Thank you very much. Hope you enjoyed it. Cheers from Canada.
Mckeithan Avatar
August 3, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Congrats on your placement in my contest Jim. I can picture myself in the woods. Too bad we didnt make it to Fundy National Park. I hear it is a wonderful place to hike
Healey Avatar
August 3, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Oliver, thank you very much. Can’t say I’ve been to Fundy National Park. Not in my part of Canada. But it sounds very interesting.
Fleming Avatar
August 3, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Excellent poetry, Jim - enjoyed your efforts! :) john
Healey Avatar
August 3, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Thank you John. Glad you enjoyed. Cheers from Canada. Jim
Etgen-Baker Avatar
August 2, 2025 at 5:16 PM
riveting words, Jim! Outstanding combination...one form flowed into the other beautifully! Best wishes with the contest...and enjoy your evening, Sara
Healey Avatar
August 2, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Thank you, Sara. Glad you enjoyed. J.
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