A creative writer at heart, Janis was first published at age 11. Most of her poems express core issues of love, loss, trauma, and healing.

A Haiku-Style Quote

Humanity is Under Daily Assault - Writing Poetry Helps

Terror attacks are happening all over the world with what seems to be more frequency. Maybe we are just more aware. I often deal with the wretchedness of victimization caused by terror attacks through writing poetry.

As I begin to craft the right words about the latest act of senseless violence, another one occurs. Therefore, I offer three haiku-inspired poetic forms in remembrance of the lives lost, within a span of days, in Russia, Syria, Sweden and Egypt.

Our compassion grows as the pain which connects us as human beings deepens. The plight of our global brothers and sisters, who were hit without warning, starts to hit home as we anticipate it happening anywhere and at anytime. As humans, when it happens to one, it happens to all. The latest mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio are painful illustrations that we in America are not immune from similar inhumane attacks that cause terror.

It is hard to find the words to express the impact of global tragedy. I choose poetry as a form of expression to encapsulate tragedy in a way that provides a platform of empathy for and validation of our human nature and experience.

[Due to the dark subject matter, the use of haiku in this article is untraditional in keeping with its true form. Traditional haiku typically pays homage to imagery involving lightness, the four seasons and nature.]

Children See an Unsafe World - Help Them Heal with Poetry

Haiku Style Poetry

#1

Overwhelmed by blasts

Derailed from everyday route

Smoke filled train to hell

#2

Unable to breathe

Fumes released with ill intent

Seep into the world

#3

Praise voices silenced

Reeds of palm blown to ashes

In the name of Christ

JLE 2017

A Peaceful World Saved by God's Love and Grace

© 2017 Janis Leslie Evans

How have you been impacted by global or recent domestic acts of terror? Leave your thoughts and comments.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on April 11, 2017:

Appreciate this critique very much, it means a lot. Peace and love to you. Thank you for visit and spiritual wisdom, always.

manatita44 from london on April 11, 2017:

Dark but necessary. Again, original Haiku's illumined and were meant to illumine. It's changed a lot.

Don't wait for God's peace, my Sweet. Dive deep within. Great Haiku's and much Love.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on April 11, 2017:

Thank you, AliciaC, for saying so. Thank you for stopping by to read it.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on April 11, 2017:

Thank you, MsDora. Although it's not traditional haiku, it's what I wanted to say. Appreciate your comment.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on April 11, 2017:

Good job, Janis! Every line is powerful and contributes effectively to the devastation caused by these people.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on April 11, 2017:

This is an important article, Janis. The memories of the tragic attacks that are occurring need to stay in our minds until solutions are found. Your article and poems are a powerful reminder of the situation.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on April 10, 2017:

You're welcome, Eric. Thanks for your visit and nice comment.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on April 10, 2017:

Absolutely! Thank you so much for visiting and commenting.

threekeys on April 10, 2017:

Your haiku has strong images that goes straight to your core. Like you, I feel for the children and the loss of innocence. It isn't right or fair. It seems we are doing a return cycle to the times when children were classed as little adults and lost their innocence when put to work at a very young age. (like deep underground, in the mines). Children are our future Leaders. They need to feel hope and have ideals.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on April 10, 2017:

Thank you. We need you good poets to keep it real.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on April 10, 2017:

So glad you liked them and saw the truth in each. I am unfortunately a breaking news junky. Sometimes I do take a break. But mainly deal with the exposure through prayer and writing. Thanks for stopping by.

Tim Mitchell from Escondido, CA on April 10, 2017:

Wow! I like the truth of each. It is sad what happens in our world these days. I liked it better when I did not have time to watch the news.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on April 10, 2017:

Thank you, whou, for stopping by. Your support means a lot as one of HP's favorite poets.

whonunuwho from United States on April 10, 2017:

Thank you for supporting this and you nice poetry my friend. The terrorist strikes out of their own fears and attempting to be recognized, but actually are the dregs of society. Blessings. whonu

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on April 10, 2017:

Gina, thank you for reading. Yes, the stories about the families' losses are unspeakable.

I was nervous about my first attempt at haiku being acceptable. Many thanks to you for putting out the challenge and making me stretch. I will try for more traditional subject matter next time. Blessings.

Gina Welds Hulse from Rockledge, Florida on April 10, 2017:

Powerful imagery! I recently read an article about a man who lost 22 members of his extended family, including his twin baby boys. So sad. Such useless killing.

Thank you for sharing this with us. It will take the arts to heal the world.