More Light and Beauty. Friday's Inspiration 7, to my Spiritual Sister Kathy Henderson (Stages of Me)
Manatita is an esteemed author living in London, UK. He writes spiritual books, flash fiction and esoteric poetry, his favourite genre.
Haiku to inspire Hope
Self-Discovery
The begging bowl drops
The inner light awakens
All creatures rejoice
Atonement Quickens
“Father, forgive them.”
I felt this loving prayer
Love came with the dawn
Spring
The flowers blossomed
Enamoured by their lustre
A soul rejoicing
Beauty’s Light
Flowers dance in Spring
Scented perfumes everywhere.
O my Heart’s fragrance!
Fifty Shades of Daffodils
Placed at Your cute feet
Fifty shades of daffodils
Spring heralds Thy charm
Tomorrow
The storm is over
The gardener plies his trade
Such charming roses!
Buddha Burns my Heart
Throw away your zen
Laugh with Basho in the spring
Buddha burns my Heart
Peace Heralds the Dawn
Meow! What melody!
My deep loneliness relieved
Peace heralds the dawn
Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. 8th January, 2020
The Sacred Gift of Sweetness. A free-style Sonnet
She came suddenly, carrying the sacred gift
Of Sweetness; flooding the core of my Being with
Beauty. I had not expected this rhapsody of
Love, and I was taken aback with amazement.
Beneath the sunset where we encountered, the
Gleaming orb and flowers merged, spreading a
Blanket of splendour across the horizon. The pink
Tulips glistened, as my breath became the breeze.
O Queen! My Queen! In this oasis of supernal splendour,
You came into my soul, like a bouquet of floral tiaras.
Emitting a ring of fire, You light a sacred fragrance;
I die to the external, banqueted by delightful kisses.
I lay calmly, enchanted by Thy allure, as the moon
Cascaded stars across the Heart, to share my joyful moment.
-Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. April 10th, 2020.
The Lantern Poem
Lantern Poem Definition
This is a five-line poem, originating from Japan, written in the shape of a
Japanese lantern. It describes a specific one syllable noun, such as a feeling, a thing, or an abstract idea. The lantern poem takes the form of a hanging lantern, going from short to wider as the poem goes on, and then becoming short again in the final line. The poem is usually centered, each line being longer than the next.
Each line is limited by a specific number of syllables
Line 1- 1 syllables
Line 2- 2 syllables
Line 3- 3 syllables
Line 4- 4 syllables
Line 5- 1 syllables
Calm. A Lantern Poem. It should be centered here. If you know how, then let me know. Thanks.
Calm
Silent
As the soul
Rests in my Heart’s
Peace
Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. 10th April, 2020.
If you wish to know about haiku, then read my hub here: https://letterpile.com/poetry/Slokas-and-Haiku
Lantern poems
© 2020 manatita44
Comments
manatita44 (author) from london on May 09, 2020:
Thank you, my Sweet, Diane.
You would know of course, that the God-seeker do not look at life like most humans. If he/she has a Master, then it's even better! Nothing can happen to the true seeker, without the Master's consent. Again, the seeker has a Faith in the knowledge of the Beyond. This greatly diminishes fear.
Now I came off here, in order to write my books. Unfortunately, this is my 3rd attempt and I still have not started! Alas! Lol. Anyway, I was actually thinking of you. Why don't you drop me a line? ceeccil@hotmail.com
I would love to make discs of my poetry and videos too. Lots of people want me to, but I'm neither good at videos nor technical skills. Sending you lots of hugs, from the Breath of the breath of the redolence of roses. This is the One who projected me into creation. Thank you for the prayers. The feel is reciprocal. Shalom!
Diane Denison from Cincinnati Ohio on May 09, 2020:
I hope you're doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
manatita44 (author) from london on May 07, 2020:
Thank you, Tiyasha.
Always a joy to hear from you. Haven't written for some 3 weeks or more, but by God's Grace, I'm fine. Higher blessings, my charming didi Ji. Om Shanti!
Tiyasha Maitra from Gurgaon on May 06, 2020:
A beautiful set. I specially enjoyed the haikus. The rhythm and the feeling are sublime. Hope you are doing well. Stay safe my friend.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 22, 2020:
Thank you, Nithya,
I do appreciate your kind contribution and support. Much gratitude.
Thank you, Diane. Miss you!
How are things going? drop me a line. By the way, I have taken a temporary break here, as I'm doing other stuff. Om Shanti!
Manju,
Very nice comment. Follow your spirituality. Read my article on Yoga for beginners and write to me to ask any questions. Much Love.
Diane Denison from Cincinnati Ohio on April 21, 2020:
There is Always a beautiful rhythmic flow to your enchanting poetry.
Nithya Venkat from Dubai on April 21, 2020:
Beautifully written, lovely haiku verses and lantern poem. I enjoyed reading, thank you.
Manju lata from Ambala City on April 20, 2020:
Sit you write so impressive and in a perfect way that there is no need for asking any question.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 20, 2020:
Then an extra thank you, Devika.
Although I'm writing, I'm not on Hub Pages now. But you will find many of my poems and prose - close to 800, which will remind you of God's Love. Try 'A Song for my Beloved' and look at the meditational video with the same poem. Much Gratitude.
Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 20, 2020:
I am back again to read this beautiful and engaging hub! I feel life gives us everything needed and sometimes wee just don't know what to do with it.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 16, 2020:
Thanks Brenda.
I'm taking a break from Hub Pages and so sorry I'm late here. Special gratitude, as you seem to be the only one who realized I was asking for help with centering the Lantern poem. I can also do it on Word and cell, just not here.
I send inspirational things to people on What's App from the writings of Sri Chinmoy or rarely, my poetry. If interested, then send me a What's App number and I'll include you. Much Love.
BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on April 14, 2020:
Manatita44,
I tried to center this for you but it doesnt copy and paste.
I can go to paragraphs in word and center it just fine.
I didnt know that when it is pasted the format changes...awe..i learned something new today.
Your haiku is excellent.
I so love your poem though.
Stay safe.
Have a great day.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 14, 2020:
Gratitude, my Brother.
happy Easter!
Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on April 14, 2020:
As usual for Manatita, it is splendid composition. Sky is the limit in his creations. Excellent.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 13, 2020:
Yes, my Dear Friend Devika.
We have problems, because we separate worship from life. In fact, it permeates everything!
I awake with gratitude in my Heart. I say prayers and do meditations, I continue with the needful at home and then I go to work. It is God that I meet in the flowers and animals, in the people on buses and trains ... at work and again on my way home.
Life and worship are integral things and we need to be awake. This is mindfulness ... the capacity of the Heart to see the Light. Happy Easter!
Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 13, 2020:
manatita44 You have shown me your kind words and so gentle in your own words. A way of life if one lets that be.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 12, 2020:
Thank You, Dear Dora.
Missing the Caribbean now. Need to pay a visit. You are lucky!
Easter Greetings!
Thank You, Audrey. Maybe you can try a Lantern Poem sometime. Happy Easter!
Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on April 11, 2020:
Your haiku verses are bold and beautiful. You excel in every form of poetry. Thanks for sharing your exceptional gift.
Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on April 11, 2020:
Thank you for introducing me to Lantern Poetry. I learn much from you and for that I am grateful. Peace fills my soul when I read your words filled with spirituality.
Love and gratitude,
Audrey
manatita44 (author) from london on April 11, 2020:
Thanks Brother Eric.
Silence is golden indeed!!
Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on April 11, 2020:
Really cool dude. I like the different styles of prose and of course I like silence.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 11, 2020:
Thank you, Rajan.
I will take a rest from Hub Pages and write my books. Thanks for your support.
Li-Jen,
Thanks. Appreciate your kind assessment. Stay well.
Li-Jen Hew on April 10, 2020:
Hi Manatita, good to see you writing Haiku to inspire hope in different ways. Spring is a nice fit as it reminds us of renewal. Your poem about Silence is suitable for this crisis as it allows us to appreciate the beauty reflected in your poem. The interesting thing about the Lantern poem is it allows us to appreciate Calm, Silence and the other lines you wrote, one at a time. Like mindfulness. Thanks for sharing! :)
Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 10, 2020:
Thanks for introducing me to the Lantern poem. It's always calming and peaceful to read your poems. Brightens my day.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2020:
Yes it's blooming in my yard. I think I see some blue bells. Lovely! Thanks Kathy.
Thank you, Peggy.
appreciated. After 5.a.m. Calm and peaceful. I can hear natures silence. Will meditate soon.
Manju
Love and gratitude. Jai Ram!
Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 10, 2020:
Thanks for describing the forms of lantern poetry. I have never heard of it, but enjoy learning from you.
Kathy Henderson from Pa on April 10, 2020:
Manatita-
Soon Springtime will bloom again. Thank you for the glimpses of its budding through the clouds, shared poetically within your writings. I look forward to the renewal of life all over our world. I look to the day with joy as we wait in prayerful stillness.
Peace as we remain in His grip
Manju lata from Ambala City on April 10, 2020:
This poem shows that you are close to God and nature and enjoy their blessings.Thanks for writing such type of poems for human kind.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2020:
Yes, Ruby.
It's a beautiful time. My neighbours sit in their back yard on their cushy chairs and really enjoy themselves. Wife, husband and two children. Charming! I went for a two mile walk as usual. Tired. Ha ha. Getting old.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2020:
Thanks Donna.
Lovely to see you, as always and stay safe.
The style of poem you can learn, but to learn my style of writing is like learning Bill's. Not an easy thing to do. Again, my work is infused with Spirituality and service, which can be quite deliberate, according to what I read and how I wish to serve in response.
Other than that, I was writing a lot and reading a lot as a child and much have stayed with me. The flow, though, comes from God, as is evidenced in my poetry and stories. Hope this helps.
Yes, Pamela.
A poet friend of mines told me just under two years ago. Looks like it's not done much outside of Japan. Suits my name. Ha ha. Thank you.
Lorna,
Thank you so much! Appreciated!
Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on April 10, 2020:
This is filled with sunshine warmth and the gift of your lovely words. I adore this time of year with all the flowering and sweet scents.
Lorna Lamon on April 10, 2020:
Such a lovely variety of poetry each one overflowing with light and joy. A beautiful tribute to Kathy.
Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on April 10, 2020:
I was not familiar with the Japanese lantern poem. The other poem of love and the entire article really is just beautiful.
Blessings to you Manatita.
Donna Rayne from Sparks, Nevada on April 10, 2020:
Manatita, I love your poems, you are so creative and with a different style of writing that I would love to learn. I always enjoy reading your work!
Blessings,
Donna Rayne
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2020:
Thank you, Kathy.
I'm a creative writer. I tend to feel that all good writers could be poets but the other way around seems better. That is to say, all creative and excellent poets are good writers. I may be wrong. Chuckle.
Thank you for gracing my Hub with your inspiring presence. Stay safe.
Kathy Henderson from Pa on April 10, 2020:
Manatita -
I am humbled! You are gifted in the imagery of poetry. I am not talented in the art form, although, I try my hand at it on occasion. I feel blessed by the hub community a place to share and lift our world in prayerful hope together. During this unprecedented time may God bless and keep all in His grip.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2020:
Lovely.
I didn't realize you know her. Thanks Bill.
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on April 10, 2020:
Kathy is a quality human being for sure, as are you, my brother! Peace, blessings, and love to you both always.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2020:
Rosina, my Dear
Your complete assessment is noteworthy. Thank you so much!
Chatra Ram Ji, welcome here.
Appreciate your comment.
Shauna,
How are you dear? You seem to have the best of both worlds. The working one and the home leisure one. Good on ya! Awesome! Gratitude.
Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on April 10, 2020:
Manatita, these are beautiful poems, perfect for the joy of Spring.
Your metaphors are exquisite. I love this line: The pink tulips glistened, as my breath became the breeze.
CHATRA RAM from BARMER INDIA on April 10, 2020:
good poetry
Rosina S Khan on April 10, 2020:
The inspirational Haiku poems, the beautiful free-style sonnet and the great Latern Poem make this hub a really special one. Thank you for sharing. A lovely tribute to Kathy Henderson.
