Member-only story
Rooster
A haiku with a quiet reflection
rooster —
her greyscale bedroom
once a palace
—
The rooster’s call breaks through the last moments of sleep, pulling her from a world still vivid with colour and possibility. Only a moment ago, she wandered through grand rooms, their high ceilings and gilded walls belonging to a life that seemed entirely her own.
Now the bedroom returns, its familiar shades of grey replacing the splendour of the dream. Perhaps she lies still for a moment, trying to hold on to some small detail before it slips away. The contrast feels almost cruel, as though something wonderful has been taken without warning.
There is a particular disappointment in waking from a dream more inviting than the day ahead. Outside, the rooster continues its ordinary morning duties, unaware of the kingdom it has brought to an end. The palace fades, and another day begins.
First published on NaHaiWriMo.
Curious how these small moments become haiku? I’ve written a short guide called The Three-Minute Haiku System, which shows a simple way to turn an observation into a draft haiku in just a few minutes. https://cl1ck.us/M-T3MHS
