Category: Poetry

Poetry became part of my life decades ago. My first memory involving poetry: a creative writing class from seventh grade. Poetry and writing remain crucial parts of my life to this day.

I find my inspiration in the commonplace, in everyday experiences, in current events. My daily meditations grant me a great deal of clarity, which comes in verse.

Currently, I’m focusing short-form poetry. Predominantly I’m writing haiku/senryu with some tanka. For the past few years, I’ve worked to post a haiku daily. Though not perfect, I’ve been able to stick to that schedule pretty well. Some longer forms come to me, too, though mostly in free-verse.

A Haiku About The BC Fires

Carl Setzer

I guess I’m lucky. My major impact from these fires has been increased sneezing. It might also play a part in the migraines I’m fighting these past few days. There are many folks for whom this is seriously debilitating. I’m glad that’s not me. 

Any way, as I’m want to do, here’s a haiku for you. 

Larabee State Park: A Haiku 

Carl Setzer

As the cliff decays
Life will keep grasping skyward
Hope thrives in sunlight

Tide pools are a big deal for my family, so we trundled off to Bellingham’s Larabee State Park. This tree is just above the trail came down to the beach from. I’m always fascinated by the way trees adapt to their surroundings. Especially when their paths are inhibited. In this case by erosion. 

Marysville folks: Strawberry Festival is this weekend

Carl Setzer

Celebrating the importance of this crop to the city’s history, Marysville’s Strawberry Festival hosts many activities for the whole family. With a parade Saturday, followed by fireworks in the park being the biggest parts.

If you live in Marysville, remember this disrupts movement around town. Lots of extra traffic, and State Ave will be shut down most of Saturday. Be ready! 

It’s a huge amount of fun, so check out their website for details. 

Marysfest.org 
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Walking this evening: A poem

Carl Setzer

An evening stroll

As I’m often want

To do. 

These sidewalks, older than me

My memories stretch back

Decades.  

Once, my dream,  

Distant travel. 

That has waned

My love for this area 

Grown to significant

Proportions. 

This path I’ve trudged

At least a thousand times

Changed for biredom 

Now is home 

Human remains found at Picnic Point

Carl Setzer

This is an alarming thing to read:Sheriff’s office investigating human remains found at Picnic Point. At this point, there’s so very little to go with. All we really know is that it looks like the body had been there some time. Was it something nefarious, or a sad accident? No way to even guess. 

Do we need to worry about a psychopath wandering about? Any of that kind of thing? Though our fears drive us towards reaction. Yet we need to wait. One of the great challenges of 21st century life: patience. We’ve become terribly used to instant responses.  A whole day?: Painful!

I’m sure the examiner will get us information quickly. Then we’ll have know how to react and move forward.

So, deeply sad stuff. I want to know more. Actually, as far a this sort of thing, I’ll say need.. 

I’ii update as this story as things progress. Until then, be safe Lynnwood, Edmonds Mountlake Terrace friends. 

Be safe. .