“Between the end of that strange summer and the approach of winter, my life went on without change. Each day would dawn without incident and end as it had begun. It rained a lot in September. October had several warm, sweaty days. Aside from the weather, there was hardly anything to distinguish one day from the next. I worked at concentrating my attention on the real and useful. I would go to the pool almost every day for a long swim, take walks, make myself three meals.
But even so, every now and then I would feel a violent stab of loneliness. The very water I drank, the very air I breathed, would feel like long, sharp needles. The pages of a book in my hands would take on the threatening metallic gleam of razor blades. I could hear the roots of loneliness creeping through me when the world was hushed at four o’clock in the morning.”
– Haruki Murakami, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
“Book of Swords, Looks Like Bullets”
by Ry Hakari
Steel and strong are the eyes meeting mine
In the mirror, my irises gaze again at the glint
The light bulb above reflects in the them
Like a prism, the prison wardens of my soul
I am not cognizant of the subconscious mind
But at times, something stirs good inside
It is not a lie to say it’s changed my life before
Like a harpsichord, old but the start of everything
Feeling like a storm and wondering what’s in store
But I am looking forward, hearing the word of swords
Because tomorrow is the day of the One I love
John, this is lovely, very peaceful and elegant in deed. What of the simpler things in life, ultimately is there a need for much more? Sadly, the things most precious to me now, were wasted on the blindness of my youth. Thank you, for your most beautiful and moving words.
johnpoetflanagan 
I treasure those words.
Myra,
Thank You
Always
John
Lovely peaceful, serene haiku John.
This is what it’s like for me though:
“Between the end of that strange summer and the approach of winter, my life went on without change. Each day would dawn without incident and end as it had begun. It rained a lot in September. October had several warm, sweaty days. Aside from the weather, there was hardly anything to distinguish one day from the next. I worked at concentrating my attention on the real and useful. I would go to the pool almost every day for a long swim, take walks, make myself three meals.
But even so, every now and then I would feel a violent stab of loneliness. The very water I drank, the very air I breathed, would feel like long, sharp needles. The pages of a book in my hands would take on the threatening metallic gleam of razor blades. I could hear the roots of loneliness creeping through me when the world was hushed at four o’clock in the morning.”
– Haruki Murakami, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
“Book of Swords, Looks Like Bullets”
by Ry Hakari
Steel and strong are the eyes meeting mine
In the mirror, my irises gaze again at the glint
The light bulb above reflects in the them
Like a prism, the prison wardens of my soul
I am not cognizant of the subconscious mind
But at times, something stirs good inside
It is not a lie to say it’s changed my life before
Like a harpsichord, old but the start of everything
Feeling like a storm and wondering what’s in store
But I am looking forward, hearing the word of swords
Because tomorrow is the day of the One I love
Thank You
Cyan,
For the great response.
My best to you
John
A reminder of the power of gentleness.
Beautiful haiku.
Harry
Fine comment, Harry.
Love to You and Winnie
John
Don’t we all treasure these things which give immortal souls?
ThankYou
for this lovely response.
Best Wishes
John
Only three lines… but what a wonderful meaning, I must be witth books around me, and whithout paper and pencil, it couldn’t be…
Rosa,
You are kind as always
Abrazos
John
Wonderfully calming words, John – everything about this piece is serene and touching.
Thank you, Chris
for enjoying the mood of the little piece.
My best to you
john
An extravagant concept wrapped in clarity and brevity. It is difficult for me to imagine a more perfect interpretation of the concept John.
So so generous,
Jon, My Friend,
And your response expressed beautifully.
Ever Your Friend
John
John, this is lovely, very peaceful and elegant in deed. What of the simpler things in life, ultimately is there a need for much more? Sadly, the things most precious to me now, were wasted on the blindness of my youth. Thank you, for your most beautiful and moving words.
Always warm wishes,
Pepperanne
Love your response,
Pepperanne,
Warm, personal and significant.
…and it’s never too late to make up for the ‘blindness’
Bless You always
John
You had me at the first line. Those three items often bring me kind words and can softly touch my soul.
I’m so glad, Noelle, the lines registered with you deeply..
Such a great response!
Best Wishes
John
A kind and gentle poem, John, tribute to those who make the effort to add to life’s sweetness through their writing.
Friend Willow,
this is a delightful comment,
Thank You
Big Hugs
John
Ah the instruments of quiet revelations and introspection.
Yes, Mary, absolutely.
Bless You!
John
“Pen-bereavement is a serious matter.”
Thank You,
Mihran
My best to you
john
Lovely and lyrical.
Thank You, Kate
big hugs
john
Strong message wrapped up in short. Love it John!
Indah,
Thank You
big hugs
john
So much in those few verses.
Best wishes, dear John. Aquileana 😀
Thank You
Dear Aquileana
Big hugs
John
Such depth with such few verses.
Thank You very much
Best to You
john