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Soaring Hawk - a Haiku Series

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Soaring Hawk poised high Back drop a deep sapphire sky Winds in attendance Mighty wings unfold Caressing the Wind Spirits They lift and support Circling Hawk perceives Rainbow circle on a cloud Framed is his shadow On oceans of blue Snow hills of clouds seem to float On silvered ripples Waves swell as they curl White manes gracefully flow Rolling to the shore Higher still soars Hawk Wind Spirits on either side Carry him upwards Land and mountains meld Lofty mountains crown the land Great aspirations Hawk gracefully glides Towards the shore he observes His island in bloom Festooned in colour Hibiscus - Red, Gold and Pink In leafy bouquets Flowers - Pale yellow Their sweet perfume exuding Riding on the Winds Romance in the air Couples hold hands and frolic An Island in love Hawaiian Hawk proud Sees everything - land and sea Paradise Island Wind voices whisper Of Rebirth, Growth and Culture Hawaii has heard Footnote: We recently visited Hawaii, one of our favorite holiday destinations, once again we were carried away with the ambience and peacefulness of this Island Paradise. The inspiration came while viewing the breath taking panorama from the 16th floor of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. The Waikiki beach, the beautiful gardens and the mountains all formed the picture. But we needed a story and the Spirit legends supplied the theme. All this came together and composed on the aircraft on our way back home to Australia. I have tried to capture and share some of the essence which is the Spirit of this beautiful island, its rebirth of culture that’s embroidered in the legends of a traditional Hula dance. The Red Hibiscus (koki'o'ula) is the flower of the big island, while the Gold flower mentioned - The vibrant, sunshine-hued Yellow Hibiscus (ma'o hau hele) is Hawaii's official National flower. In Hawaiian culture, Hibiscus is a symbol of old royalty & communicates power and respect. The Hawk Kaha Ka ‘lo - the highest Chiefs where often called ‘lo – ‘Hawk with eyes that can see everywhere’ Ku Makani ‘Rising Wind’ has a position of power grace and motion. Ka Leo O Haukine ‘The voice of the Wind’, is so named. The two Winds according to the legend, are the voices of ancestors who listen and speak through the winds. Together they are the Spirits that uplift the mighty ‘Lo – The Hawaiian hawk. Some of the imagery described is seen from the aircraft as it would be seen through the eyes of the Hawaiian Hawk. The circular rainbow, for those who have not been fortunate to have witnessed this rare phenomenon, it actually does exist. POTD 14th April 2017

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Geoffrey Brewer

Date: 4/17/2018 4:24:00 AM

Truly a tour de force in haiku, Maria.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2018 5:22:00 AM

Thank you kindly dear Sir. Your vocabulary of complimentary comments are a 'tour de force' in themselves. I blush ~ and admire YOUR works even more...Maria :) hugs

Jack Ellison

Date: 4/15/2018 8:56:00 AM

Holy crap... this is stunning sweet lady!!! "I have tried to capture and share some of the essence which is the Spirit of this beautiful island" You have CERTAINLY done that, Miss Maria! KUDOS! XOXOX

Maria Williams
Date: 4/15/2018 9:23:00 AM

Thanks Jack - I thought you would like it. Been there 4 times in less than a year - Love it. Trust you liked the music - You should go too. Maria Xox

Susan Ashley

Date: 8/15/2017 10:18:00 PM

WOW! Maria, your Haiku series is masterfully and artistically exquisite. It is a sensory joy ride that I don't want to end! The video is awesome as well; beautiful images and my two fav songs, 'Over the Rainbow' and 'Wondeful World'! Thank you for an amazing experience :)

Susan Ashley
Date: 8/15/2017 11:44:00 PM

Maria, I can imagine that it'll take a while to get the hang of it. I've just begun to write Haikus. The one you read today is the second one I've written so I have a ways to go before I'll feel like I have the hang of it, but the fun of getting there is the poetic journey taken... Susan

Maria Williams
Date: 8/15/2017 11:13:00 PM

Thanks so much Susan, took a long time to get the hang of it though, as you would know? I'm so glad that you loved the music too. I really appreciate the visit and lovely comment Susan....Maria

Thomas Hsi

Date: 7/30/2017 2:47:00 AM

Thank you! Haikus can be beautiful, but a series of them --- WOW. And thank you so much for enjoying Hawaii, my home. By the way, I live in Waikiki (right in the heart of Waikiki). You are a master poet, and no one can deny that!

Maria Williams
Date: 7/30/2017 7:45:00 AM

Thomas thank you for such glowing praises of my work. Honestly , you are a master poet, you should not put yourself down. Hawaii is just beautiful, my third home, Japan my second, and of course Australia where I live is my Home. the Haiku is inspired from the stutues in front of the Hilton. Have you seen your soup mail? Its the envelope icon next to your name....Maria

Debbie Duncan

Date: 7/2/2017 11:16:00 PM

Wow, great haikus which I love to read. I have often thought the same thoughts as I was watching eagles glide thru the sky. Love Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole voice :)

Heidi Sands

Date: 6/17/2017 6:27:00 AM

What a beautiful rainbow video!

Maria Williams
Date: 6/17/2017 8:00:00 AM

I thought you would love the rainbow so I hinted at it - so glad you found it - isn't the singer's voice so beautiful...Maria

Heidi Sands

Date: 6/17/2017 6:24:00 AM

Wow Maria. This is amazing. I really enjoyed it. I loved visiting Hawaii . It was one of the most beautiful places I have been. I went to 3 islands years ago. and I see where you mention that circular rainbow. This is so nice . Thanks for sharing! :)

Reason A. Poteet

Date: 5/5/2017 1:35:00 PM

Gorgeous video to accompany your lovely poem. Hope to visit Hawaii it's on my bucket list. Have 4 states to go on my must do list. Congratulations on a complementary work of art from both sides. I love hibiscus (get one or two every year for Mother's Day, but they won't stand our winters) and have about 20 Rose of Sharon which are related

Maria Williams
Date: 5/5/2017 9:25:00 PM

Thank you for your visit and comment Reason, you must have a lovely garden. I thought you were from Hawaii from a comment on your page which is why I greeted you in Hawaiian. We are from Australia and travel extensively - Hawaii and Japan, which you will gather from 'Seduction of Spring' are our favorite places. We leave for Japan in a couple of weeks, hope we are there for the last of the Cherry Blossoms ... Maria

Paul Callus

Date: 4/20/2017 10:00:00 AM

Back for the third time, Maria:) Congrats on a most beautiful video...captivating visuals and a lovely vocal rendition. Regards // paul

Maria Williams
Date: 4/21/2017 2:22:00 AM

Thanks again Paul for going back a third time. I'm most appreciative of your support. The very best wishes to you.

Lisa Ricci

Date: 4/17/2017 4:19:00 PM

Good Evening Maria. This is outstanding. First congratulations on the execution. Second congratulations on the entry being chosen POTD. We readers thank you for sharing your vacation and yes Hawaii not to mention the soaring hawk. Your words were clear to grace us with imagery. Well done in its entirety.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:08:00 PM

Thank you for your appreciation and congratulations Lisa. Your praise is always so profound. We have added appropriate music to 'Soaring Hawk' which describes This beautiful island - as if seen from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow. Just click on the arrow to play.

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 4/17/2017 4:42:00 AM

Apotheosis of Haiku dear, Maria your inspiration helped you soar sky high! A 7 for each! Welcome back!

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:09:00 PM

Dear Demetrios, We have added appropriate music to 'Soaring Hawk' which describes This beautiful island - as if seen from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow. Just click on the arrow to play - the music will send you soaring.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 6:01:00 AM

Praise indeed from the guru himself. Thanks Dear friend, We were quite shocked that 'Soaring Hawk' got POTD as we though that an Easter one would be chosen. All the same we are very flattered. PS as you so kindly liked the previous poem 'The Sequel - Dance to love, thought I'd tell you that Ron has added a fittingly appropriate music clip to it.

Robert Lindley

Date: 4/16/2017 12:04:00 PM

So very beautiful and absolutely a great and well deserved POTD! WHEN ONE GETS TO EXPERIENCE SUCH MAGNIFICENT SIGHTS AND FEEL THE JOY BROUGHT, THEY HAVE BEEN TRULY BLESSED.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:11:00 PM

Dear Robert, I though you will like the addition to the Poem. We have added appropriate music to 'Soaring Hawk' which describes This beautiful island - as if seen from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow. Just click on the arrow to play.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 1:06:00 AM

Thanks for visiting Robert and your appreciative comments. You are blessed too with an eye that can perceive beauty. The POTD was truly unexpected.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/15/2017 7:09:00 PM

How beautifully you describe my island home Maria. Congratulations on having this lovely poem honored with POTD! 7 ; )

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:05:00 PM

Hi Connie, we have added appropriate music to 'Soaring Hawk' which describes your beautiful island home - as if from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow. Just click on the arrow to play.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/16/2017 6:53:00 AM

Thank you Connie - we wondered if we had done it justice and hoped you would like the description. The POTD was quite unexpected. Your appreciation is well received

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 4/15/2017 1:40:00 PM

- Well deserved, Maria :) - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. - (Yes, I would love to be there :))) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Bernard F. Asuncion

Date: 4/14/2017 11:50:00 PM

Well-written.... congrats on being picked....

Maria Williams
Date: 4/15/2017 12:38:00 AM

Thank you so much Bernard, both for you visit and Congrats. Have a lovely Easter.

Paul Callus

Date: 4/14/2017 11:33:00 AM

Hi Maria...I came back to read the reference to the Hibiscus, and to congratulate you on POTD. Well done! // paul

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:13:00 PM

Hi Paul, I though you will like the further musical addition to the Poem. We have added appropriate music to 'Soaring Hawk' that aptly describes this beautiful island as if seen from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/15/2017 12:42:00 AM

Thanks so much Paul. What a pleasant Easter surprise. Totally unexpected. Have a wonderful Easter.

Sunlite Wanter

Date: 4/14/2017 10:06:00 AM

This is wonderful. Congratulations.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/15/2017 12:44:00 AM

Thank so much for the visit and the Congratulation Sunlite. A Happy Easter to you and your Family.

Charlie Smith

Date: 4/14/2017 8:07:00 AM

Back to congratulate you for POTD honors Maria...

Maria Williams
Date: 4/14/2017 8:13:00 AM

Thanks Charlie - seriously, this was so quite unexpected and unforeseen. We are so flattered

Darren White

Date: 4/14/2017 7:16:00 AM

Cominga back to you with congratulations on PotD. Absolutely deserved <3 :)

Maria Williams
Date: 4/14/2017 7:57:00 AM

Thanks so much again my friend. The accolade was indeed unexpected and a surprise.

Agnes Krampe

Date: 4/14/2017 6:23:00 AM

Absolutely beautiful, Maria. Great imagery. You capture the soaring bird well. Congrats on POTD. A 7

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:15:00 PM

Hi Agnes, I though you will like the musical addition to 'Soaring Hawk. The video aptly visualizes this beautiful island as if seen from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/14/2017 7:15:00 AM

Thank you so much Agnes - It was a surprise to come to the site and see your message. Seriously we thought you had made a mistake and your congrats was meant for someone else.

Charlie Smith

Date: 4/14/2017 1:24:00 AM

I had a similar experience in Alaska with eagles not to much With the flowers but the sheer grace of that animal was awe inspiring. I wrote a piece entitled On Eagles Wings that I would love to share with you, see if it mirrored some of the same emotions that you may have felt...great group of Haikus Maria, love it.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:20:00 PM

Hi Charlie, I though you will like the musical addition to 'Soaring Hawk. The video and music aptly visualizes this beautiful island as if seen from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow. Your will identify with it in respect to your "on Eagles Wings'

Maria Williams
Date: 4/15/2017 3:00:00 AM

Hi Charlie, Sorry - in our haste to look at your 'Eagle Wings' poem that you mentioned, I forgot to thank you for your recognition and appreciation of our 'Soaring Hawk' - a belated thanks and yes indeed you have captured the spirit of the soliditary Eagle admirably. They own the sky. Thanks for sharing

Darren White

Date: 4/14/2017 12:56:00 AM

The collection of haiku is simply awesome and breathtaking, the explanation underneath is wonderful. I hope you had the time of your life on Hawaii. I enjoyed this very much, 7 and fav.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:17:00 PM

Dear Darren, I though you will like the musical addition to 'Soaring Hawk. The video and music aptly visualizes this beautiful island as if seen from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/14/2017 7:56:00 AM

Thanks Darren good friend. Your praise is so well received. We wish that you will soar like the Hawk with your dancing and music soon.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 4/13/2017 1:43:00 PM

- Really impressive ... an adventure in these haikus, Maria - I hope you had a nice holiday ... a big 7 - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Maria Williams
Date: 4/13/2017 11:04:00 PM

Thanks so much Anne-Lise. The break was indeed a well needed respite among those beautiful surroundings and the friendly people. You would love it because of the warm, comfortable weather. A Happy Easter to you and your family from us 'Down Under'

Anne-Marie Coreggia

Date: 4/13/2017 10:58:00 AM

Wow, Maria, that was astounding and delightful. I'm still soaring with this graceful creature carried by wind spirits above an enchanting world. Thank you by the way for the interesting info. about Hawaiian culture. A high 7:) Amitiés

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:21:00 PM

Hi Anne-Marie, I though you will like the musical addition to 'Soaring Hawk. The video and music aptly visualizes this beautiful island as if seen from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/13/2017 11:00:00 PM

Thanks Anne-Marie - Indeed Hawaii makes one want to soar with the Enchanted Spirits of that world. We have added a couple of notes to clarify the importance of the Hibiscus in the verse. A very Happy and Peaceful Easter to you and your family

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 4/13/2017 10:42:00 AM

Absolutely beautiful and thank you for the followup info. I was blessed to live on Oahu for 3 years. I would love to go back for a visit! 7+++

Maria Williams
Date: 4/17/2017 10:22:00 PM

Hi Kim, I though you will like the musical addition to 'Soaring Hawk. The video and music aptly visualizes your former beautiful island home. The music and video is as if seen from Hawk's eyes. You will also see the Hawk against the rainbow.

Maria Williams
Date: 4/13/2017 11:02:00 PM

Thank you Kim. Indeed you were blessed to have lived in these enchanting isles for three years. You must go back for another visit. A very Happy Easter to you and your family. PS don't forget to visit Australia too!