day lilies
returned to earth
my first attempt
Mayfly, Issue 79
What makes this poem especially unique is the subtlety and nuance. While vulnerability is a consistent quality of my work, most of my confessional poems are punchy and overtly forward. This haiku is elegant, poignant, and in some ways hopeful. The daylily plant might thrive for several years, but its individual flowers only last one day. The choice to juxtapose my first suicide attempt with the dayliles comes from a place of resilience. I might have had numerous attempts, but I survived regardless. It’s also important, for the sake of nuance, that the word suicide is implied, but not directly stated. In years before, I would have been more direct instead of allowing readers to come to their own conclusion. I’ve managed to remain true to my edgy poetic voice while acutely honing haiku craft tools.