I dedicate this solo renga to Kristjaan Panneman (Chèvrefeuille), our host at Carpe Diem, who is currently facing an uncertain future due to his employer going out of business.
The challenge he offers us with Carpe Diem #1530 Universe … Soliloquy No Renga is to write a solo renga (a chain of verses, with each haiku followed by a two-line stanza), starting with a haiku that he has written (in blue). I’ve attempted to keep a “closed chain,” last stanza leading back to the first.connect in a way to make “the circle” complete.
circle of life
seasons come and go … always
the Cosmos leads us
© Chèvrefeuille
paths of planets go unchanged
a man’s life subject to chance
one door will open
as another door closes
facing decisions
many considerations
importance of family
swan on empty pond
mate never far from its side
loving companion
prepared for coming changes
clouds approach on horizon
waves pushed onto shore
turtle seeks shelter from storm
reeds sway back and forth
bending in fury of wind
standing tall when storm passes
calm as waves subside
patient moon makes appearance
parting clouds bring hope
night no longer seems so dark
light reflecting on water
stars filling night sky
their light untouched, like beacons
providing guidance
swan rises with morning sun
finding direction, takes flight
Images
Museum of Fine Arts Boston – Swan and Reeds, by Ohara Koson
Library of Congress – Turtles, by Utagawa Hiroshige
jaodb.com – Flying Geese, by Ohara Koson
rivrvlogr 
I hope more doors open for him quickly.
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Yes.
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Good luck to Chèvrefeuille.
Your solo renga is lovely–especially the last couple of haiku plus verses. I love the final vision of the stars and the swan rising with the morning sun. I like the images, too.
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Thank you, Merril. His hokku gave me the direction I needed.
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But you went with it!
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🙂
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That is so thoughtful, Ken, to dedicate your solo renga to Kristjaan – and so well done!
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Thank you, Kim.
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My pleasure, Ken.
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Brava.. (@–>–) (@–>–) (@–>–)
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Merci!
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Beautifully done Ken, I too believe that another door will open in times like these 💜
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Thank you, Xenia. I would think his field will have opportunities to fill the gap that has been created.
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I have known Chèvrefeuille for a very long time and wish him and is family all the best of what ever the future holds. I think with his specialty field that he should be able to find employment sooner than later. I know that nurses in any field are always in demand in the states.
My hubby worked for a company for almost 30 years before it got bought up and torn apart. Hard to start over when you are older. My hubby had some interim jobs, but he’s thankfully been at his last job for a while and we hope that it will take him into retirement…
Your verses are a soothing balm of hope. With lovely illustrations.
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Thank you, Jules. Yes, my hope is that his background in oncology will mean his skills are in demand.
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This is comforting, a “broader view” of transition which frequently arrives uninvited, yet almost always delivers value long-term.
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Thank you, Jazz.
Yes, time and experience.
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Wow Ken … I am honored that you have dedicated this solo-renga to me. It touches me deep and the warmth and love I can feel from all the CDHK family members is like a warm quilt. Thank you it makes me stronger and more confident that there will be light after this dark days.
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