Mountains of My Mind #Haibun #Tanka

Flower with Flatirons in the background

Mountains of My Mind

I stop to admire a flower and wonder what she is doing. I turn a corner, see a bird and think of the latest outrage he tweeted. I touch the tall pine and politics dominate my thoughts. I go up the rise, hard rock beneath my feet, and think of nuclear tipped missiles falling from space. But I push harder, sweat more, and go farther up this mountain. Soon, I take in the view and my mind is blank, quiet. I look around and all there is, is nature. And me.

From the mountain top
The Earth spreads out calm below
The world seems at peace
I need refuge from Mankind
The turmoil of daily life

I am an extreme Introvert. My mind drowns out all sounds around it. Sometimes I need to go where there is no competition, no distraction from people talking. I need to go where there are no sounds made from Man. On a deserted beach at dawn, or deep in the forest, or high on a mountain top, I can be me. Sometimes that mountain only exists in my head.

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This was written for Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge. The key words today were “Quiet” and “Space”.

I am not sure if that second paragraph is part of the Haibun or not. Poetry needs no explanation, yet sometimes I have a need to explain ;)

18 thoughts on “Mountains of My Mind #Haibun #Tanka”

The Thrifty Campers January 11, 2018 at 9:33 am

We all could benefit from little to no distraction where we can be at peace with ourselves. Love your take on this and your photo!

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trentpmcd Post authorJanuary 11, 2018 at 10:54 am

I agree. I think in this over-connected world people don’t take enough time to just be themselves. Thanks!

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Corina October 17, 2017 at 5:22 pm

I like this one which is saying a lot because, you may recall, I don’t like haiku or tanka. I can see the view from the top of the mountain and I can feel the calmness it brings to you.

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trentpmcd Post authorOctober 17, 2017 at 7:36 pm

Thanks Corina! It is particularly nice since you really don’t like the form.

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Colleen Chesebro October 17, 2017 at 4:28 pm

Trent! This Haibun/Tanka is marvelous. I have goosebumps reading your words. To me, this is the way we should write a Haibun. Lots of feeling and use words where I can see your image/words when I close my eyes. Your message is spot on! Well done! <3

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trentpmcd Post authorOctober 17, 2017 at 7:34 pm

Thanks, Colleen! Thinking of mountains today, and how I’d rather be there than at work ;)

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1. Colleen Chesebro October 17, 2017 at 9:13 pm
  
  I agree. I love my mountains here in Colorado. <3
  
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  1. trentpmcd Post authorOctober 18, 2017 at 7:15 am
    
    Ah, I guess I never thought about where you lived. New Hampshire has some great (small) mountains, but I love Colorado. I was there this summer, which is when I took this photo.
    
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    1. Colleen Chesebro October 18, 2017 at 11:44 am
      
      It is pure joy to be able to gaze at Pike’s Peak every day. <3
      
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      1. trentpmcd Post authorOctober 18, 2017 at 11:58 am
        
        I’m sure it is. :)
        
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Marilyn Armstrong October 17, 2017 at 2:46 pm

Do barking dogs count? Because it is very quiet her … except for the barking.

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trentpmcd Post authorOctober 17, 2017 at 7:33 pm

Well, dog barks aren’t man-made, so in that, I guess they are fine, but dog barks can be annoying. I’m glad mine don’t bark too much…

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