The Haiku For Me Is

by Sonia Sanchez

Silence. crystals. cornbread

and greens laughter. brocades.

The sea. Beethoven. Coltrane.

Spring and winter. blue rivers.

Dreadlocks. blues. a waterfall.

Empty mountains. bamboo. bodegas.

Ancient generals. dreams. lamps.

Sarah Vaughn. Her voice exploding

in the universe, returning to earth

in prayer. Plum blossoms.

Silk and steel. Cante jondo

Wine. hills. flesh. perfume.

A breath inhaled and held.

Silence.

From The Haiku For Me Is, with paintings by Danny Simmons and graphic design by New York’s KMW Studio, 2008, available online.