all those Gods
I lost and found
dandelion fluff
Sonic Boom Journal, 2016
© Eva Limbach (Germany)
The first thing that struck me about this haiku was the capitalization of “Gods” instead of “gods.” Grammatically, “gods” is preferred in most cases, but in this haiku, I believe the author is giving respect to each god she has encountered, loved, and may have freed herself of.
What also made me turn my head was the striking juxtaposition between gods and dandelion fluff. So much can be implied:
1) All gods are same, essentially.
2) All gods share the same purpose.
3) Which god we choose to worship may not be that important after all.
4) Like dandelion fluff, gods drift in and out favor.
… and maybe much more.
Another part of the haiku that got me interested in it is the use of “I’ instead of just keeping it as “all those gods/lost and found.” Bringing in a personal side to the issue adds weight, and allows readers to identify with the experience of the haiku, rather than see it purely as something philosophical or historical.
A strong part of this haiku is its sound. The “o” sound flows through “those,” “Gods,” “lost,” “found,” and “dandelion.” I believe this sound aims for euphony, or a harmonious and beautiful connection of sound. This could be another way the haiku shows how gods are one.
Maybe in our modern times, gods have become like dandelion fluff: revered and memorable, but somehow not worth much in these times of technological and scientific progress. Or maybe gods are numerous but one, and in these times of fast-paced developments in human progress, we have so many resources and chances to get connected with one of them. There is no right answer, but this haiku for sure makes us introspect on the state of religion and what we ourselves have experienced on our own spiritual journeys.
– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)
Haiku Commentary 