Quercus invictus

Posted on 2026-08-06 by Mellow Curmudgeon

Valiant oak leaf falls
with no thought of surrender.
It retains some green.

So far as I know, there is no species in the oak genus named after Henley’s famous poem. Maybe there should be one.

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haiga, haiku, photography, seasons

Turning Sequence

Posted on 2022-11-05 by Mellow Curmudgeon

Still-green oak
will follow maple
in due time.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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haiga, haiku, photography, seasons

Oak Tree Hymn

Posted on 2021-11-09 by Mellow Curmudgeon

Acorns spread the faith,
and leaves consecrate the world.
Church window, no wall.

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haibun, haiga, haiku, humor, photography

Henley’s Indomitable Trees

Posted on 2021-06-302021-08-27 by Mellow Curmudgeon

One of the few nineteenth century poems that move me is Invictus by William Ernest Henley. The poem’s spirit of unflinching defiance can be expressed in more contemporary ways. (Henley’s way is still good.) After one very contemporary way inspired by trees, we end with a quick riff on forms and freedom in poetry.

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haiku

Gifts from an Old Oak

Posted on 2016-07-042021-11-09 by Mellow Curmudgeon

I had nothing in mind for this particular CDHK episode, but then I read the fine contribution by Dancing Echoes, had a sudden inspiration, and was astonished to see that the episode was still open. Thank U, Dancing Echoes.

In response to CARPE DIEM HAIKU KAI: Carpe Diem #989 Oak …

Gifts from an Old Oak
|Acorn stew tonight?
|No, let them feed squirrels or
|grow to be old oaks.

Please read the fine contribution by Dancing Echoes to this episode.

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