This haiku was posted by Gary B. Dean at AllPoetry.com on 23rd July 2024.
Freefall
All leaves fall away From the branches that lift them For their only flight
I liked it and wanted to reply. So I did.
What is the meaning Hidden in these words of yours? How to understand?
The leaves fall away Because the tree doesn’t need Them in the winter
Once served their purpose What use are they to the tree? Good compost coming!
Today I’m feeling:
Dizzy though my brain was fairly active once I woke up.
I went to Utopia and sent work for my students to do, though I expect very few of them to bother.
I chatted with Bruno for an hour or so, but had to concentrate hard to stay focused. I talked more than I have in a long time and quickly got tired, so I came back home to rest again.
Health:
Physical: 6 Mental: 6
Today I’m grateful for:
Kru Jern again for following up on her class to send me the work I assigned them today. Only one student submitted my work during class time.
The best thing about today was:
Reading comics. I didn’t do much else!
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
I found that my order for cat food got cancelled, though I haven’t received any refund yet. It’s annoying as we have almost run out and it may take extra time to get more delivered.
I took this picture because Amy and I were both surprised to find this cactus looking like this.
A whisper and a wonder Will all the aunties be there? Where will everyone sit? Can I watch the fire faeries flit As I fall asleep in the quiet comfy chair?
Adult breath whiffs of magic Will I ever learn these ways? Maybe I’ll sing a song And the uncles will sing along With my series of 20 short plays
Is that bird following me? Better to be clear of the busy sky Reindeer running through Clickety-clack and choo-choo-choo Where did he go and why?
The sparkle of new toys The surprise of morning snow Why all the rush For the melt to the slush? Enquiring minds want to know
Dizzy and tired. I skipped exercise again and was a little unsteady on my feet. I went to school but came back home after an hour.
Amy was burning up with fever this morning, too, so we went off to the hospital.
Apparently, I have some ear problem that is causing my dizziness, as opposed to it being a brain problem. No idea of the cause and just got medicine to treat the symptoms.
I also got an appointment for my health checkup next week, as well as a physio appointment for my shoulder.
Health:
Physical: 5 Mental: 5
Today I’m grateful for:
The doctor at MFU hospital and all the staff, who were very diligent despite my poor mood and state.
The best thing about today was:
For the hour that I was at school, there was a very good feeling and everyone was happy.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
The doctor suggested cutting down on caffeine. Noooooo!
Something I learned today?
Don’t park your car in Bandu Mueang Mai at twilight, as it will get covered in bird shit!
Nomsen took this picture of herself after stealing my phone out of my pocket.
Not so good after a bad sleep due to all the spice from dinner. I skipped exercise for a little extra rest but this morning my stomach is still in a state of gurgling.
I’m also still not sure if I might be getting Amy’s flu. Without exercise, I couldn’t stand a cold shower this morning and today is my first jacket day of winter.
Around 9.30am, my stomach had settled and I could enjoy the rest of the day more. Still tired, though but at least don’t feel like any flu symptoms are developing.
Health:
Physical: 6 Mental: 7
Today I’m grateful for:
The wooden scent blocks in the car that are slowly removing the smells of it once being Amy’s mum’s and slowly becoming mine.
The best thing about today was:
Listening to students explain their decisions about some English work I gave them about the Thai TV show Hormones.
I was surprised at a couple of students at how close-minded they were, whilst a couple of others were able to well articulate their thoughts.
I’ll try to find some other topics and questions like this.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
A couple of students in my last class were quite rude in their exclamations for the class to go faster so that they could leave early. I was firm with them the first time, threatened them the second and made fun of them the third time.
It was a bit annoying but maybe it was frustrating for them as they didn’t know how long the class was going to take, while I did and knew that they would have plenty of time.
Something I learned today?
A TikTok video taught me the significance of Chinese chopsticks, why they are the length they are and why one end is round and the other square.
Pin took this picture and sent it to me later with a note, ‘so cute’, which is very kind of her to say!
Can you name even one of the dead? Whilst dropping both bombs and bread You defend these actions instead And defiantly nodding your head
But killing kids is not self-defence Spreading peace through violence This is no place for indifference This is no time for your silence
Since when has questioning charred corpses Been more offensive than actual charred corpses?
Today I’m feeling:
Tired and dizzy, especially after exercise. I didn’t sleep well last night and woke up tired. At school now and feel a little out of it.
Amy woke up coughing and saying she is sick, so perhaps I have something coming on, too.
I felt a bit more with it by the afternoon but also with a blocked nose. I’m looking forward to getting home.
Health:
Physical: 7 Mental: 7
Today I’m grateful for:
Amy’s idea of getting mala for dinner in an effort to blow away any potential lurgy. Not sure if it will work but it was deliciously hot and spicy anyway.
The best thing about today was:
There’s a good feeling around school as next week is a holiday. Students are happy and playful and don’t seem to mind doing some work too.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
Watching George turn up an hour late to his class today. Most of his students had already disappeared by then anyway.
It is annoying to watch but I’m trying to put it out of my mind.
Amy took this picture because our bovine visitor came back again today.
Tired still, aching still but also with some inspiration to do something, though that may just end up being reading, playing guitar and watching videos as usual.
(Later) Indeed, that is how it turned out, with a little bit of chopping some of the Indian pencil tree down as it was getting out of control and sweeping the entertainment area.
Health:
Physical: 7 Mental: 7
Today I’m grateful for:
Not going on that bike ride today and getting another relaxing day in instead.
Also, to the kids next door who interrupted me when I was playing guitar and made me think not to be too serious. Random little interruptions are good to change pace sometimes.
The best thing about today was:
A big, sad skinny white cow came into our garden around lunch time and made itself at home under the shade of the trees and hung around for a few hours until the cowman came.
Whilst it was sat down, I gave it some rubs (not sure what gender it was), which hopefully transferred some goodness into its suffering body. My fingers were black afterwards.
Something I learned today?
Reading David Foster Wallace’s Consider The Lobster today told me way more than I needed to know about lobsters but also had me opening up Google Maps where I discovered that Rhode Island isn’t an island at all.
Review your acts, Good and bad.
One thing that I do is to fill up the toilet roll holder so that Amy doesn’t get caught out with it being empty.
I sent this picture to all my classes because I want to remind them that they will be bad at something before they become good at it.
Maturing in the still and humid air On a steep Brazilian hillside I deepen red as if blushing Ready to be plucked and tested
Still sour before the procession Dried on a dusty rack Soon signed, sealed and delivered My final journey nears conclusion
I’m roasted, stirred and blended Slightly sweet and bitter Cascading jets of steamy water Extract my last juices
Remember me this fine morning As you go about your day It was my pleasure to serve you To give you my get up and go
Written for an AllPoetry assignment about personification and returning to a favourite topic of mine!
Today I’m feeling:
Tired but rested after a ten-hour sleep and a weird dream about being in a South American country and almost being shot by a child, and then a pre-pubescent girl who was showing me around with a bunch of other kids got disappeared to be a prostitute. Not sure where all those ideas came from.
I have aches in various places from this week’s exercise. Good aches.
Today I’m grateful for:
A very chill day today, restoring lost energy.
The best thing about today was:
Finishing the chapter Up, Simba by David Foster Wallace. Next is the titular Consider The Lobster.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
Utopia is closed until Wednesday as Art takes his staff for a mini holiday in Chiang Mai. This meant that I had to get coffee at Black Smooth instead this morning.
Something I learned today?
Through an online conversation with Baipad, we both learned that ‘blyat’ in Russian is a bad word.
I took this picture because Art joked that the coffee at Black Smooth would be in a big cup and be too hot and he was right!
Flowers bloom between my toes Tamed all within this fence The tree of life grows Slaked by others’ expense
Beyond the hills and valleys Where the earth is dry and hard Adding to the deadly tallies But never in my backyard
I’ll fight you off my flowers Kill to keep my order Raise up sentry towers To keep you from my border
No, never in my backyard Eyes shut tight to beyond My garden must not be marred No filth brought to my pond
Today I’m feeling:
Tired but happy and healthy. Exercise was a struggle this morning, especially as each day the intensity is increasing as per the plan. But I felt good once done, despite also probably being able to go straight back to sleep if I had a chance.
But off to work and just before my first class, one of the students told me that they all had to leave at 10 to go and do a particular math lesson. Ok, I can deal with it. Then, during the lesson, the time got revised to 9.30. Ok – easy. Done. And an extra hour break for me. I could easily sleep again, but have to push myself to finish off the day.
Health:
Physical: 8 Mental: 7
Today I’m grateful for:
Some folks out there who spend inordinate amounts of time doing little things that only a few people will appreciate.
In this instance, I am thinking about a person who put together a complete comic book reading order for Marvel comics from the 50s until now. And not just a list but digital scans of them all too.
The best thing about today was:
Again, not one thing in particular but lots of little good things throughout the day all adding up to make a great day all round.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
Both my morning and afternoon classes were affected by students having to go off and do things, and I was easy and flexible enough to go with the flow.
Review your acts, Good and bad.
Jet, Lin and Jee were all nervous about interviews to be leaders in the upcoming conference in January but I tried to calm them down as best I could.
Jee, in particular, was worried because Momo was also interviewing, and everyone knows Momo’s English is the best amongst them. I told her that it won’t just be about English skills but also about suitability for the role.
And sure enough, as I imagined, Momo wasn’t chosen, as the interviewers told her that her personality wasn’t what they were looking for. Momo was very upset and disconsolate, telling me that she felt like a failure. I tried to pep her up again and gave her a hug and left her with her friends, who were also a little shocked at this outcome.
I talked with Jee later and told her that she had no real reason to be nervous. Just do your best, try and fail, try and succeed, it’s all the same. We will still sleep in the same place tonight as last night.
Of course, I am the hero This is my poem after all! Well-intentioned and rational Justice must be my call
So you must be the villain A poet must have a foe! Conjuring a dastardly plan Laughing maniacally so
We take action as we believe Ignorant of a better way Both deceived by our duty In this game of life we play
Today I’m feeling:
Good again. I’m enjoying the feeling of being revitalised from my morning exercise. I woke up with a start this morning, though, which was good in that I wasn’t waking before my alarm like earlier this week.
For some reason, I was dreaming about opening a (?) for my student, Fah, and I also had an impression that I had been dreaming about an old workmate, Steve. I’m not sure why they were roaming around in my subconscious.
My first class was fun and straightforward but the two-hour break following it has made me tired and uninspired. I will teach the same lesson again soon to another class of the same grade but I’m doubting it will go as well. I may be doubting myself here rather than the students.
(After) Although the second class was a little more difficult to deal with, everyone at least submitted something to me, whilst some of my first class just left because they couldn’t answer the questions and weren’t interested in asking me for help.
Health:
Physical: 7 Mental: 7
Today I’m grateful for:
My student, Spain, who filled me in on some classroom gossip from his perspective. He’s a year older than everyone else as he has some kind of quirky autism which held him back a year and whilst he struggles to interact in a ‘normal’ manner, he’s fairly bright and knowledgeable and today I discovered that he is particularly observant.
He told me how he sees everything that is going on, who is with who, when they come and go, lots and lots of details. It was interesting to talk with him but also tiring as I struggled to hear him through his face mask and the sudden twists and turns he makes in conversation.
The best thing about today was:
Buying a punnet of strawberries at the walking street and scoffing them all with coconut ice cream, yoghurt and mini-Toblerones in a big bowl. So much for all that exercise and trying to lose weight!
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
I was not inspired to write after a provocative (to me) comment was posted on my poem, Christmas In Gaza, that I read this morning.
I’ve left the comment there without response but it essentially boils down to divisions through religion – ie, my god is better than yours. There’s no reasoning with this, so I’ll not engage.
Internally, though, the rage of hypocrisy burns so brightly. I need to let it go. It’s not my business what others choose to believe.
A few minutes after writing this, I started thinking about how things in general these days are about winning and losing and while some folks lose online arguments, others are losing their lives and the winners are rewriting their histories in some form or another. This triggered off a flow of words and I managed to get the bad feeling out.
Something I learned today?
Hong Kong is the only city in the world that uses seawater to flush its toilets.
Review your acts, Good and bad.
This morning, I encouraged Baipad to finish off a drawing she had started and when I messaged her this evening, asking her what the best thing about her day, it was that she had finished it.
Good, once I got moving. Since a recent iPhone update, my alarm only seems to vibrate, no light and no volume. Usually, it’s enough to wake me but this morning Amy heard it vibrating and wearily shouted at me to get up! I guess I was tired!
As I’d been waking up before my alarm for the last week or so, my brain was probably thinking that it couldn’t be time to get up yet.
Some tough exercise this morning and in my half awake state I struggled keeping my balance at times. The positive effects from it have carried me through, though and I feel good.
Health:
Physical: 8 Mental: 8
Today I’m grateful for:
Dutchie sending me the photos that I asked him for, which he took this morning. As we were waiting for the flag ceremony, we were talking about fashion, and Achang showed up wearing a denim jacket. I told them that denim jackets are kind of a 70s/80s style for me and not really in fashion.
I asked him if I could try it on and he let me whilst Dutchie took some pictures. I said that it’s a little too big for Achang and he told me that it actually belongs to his sister.
I thought I looked quite good in it.
The best thing about today was:
Soldiering through a slow workday, where only having to work three hours feels quite tiring, as there is too much downtime. I managed to stick it out until clock-out time by sitting in the cafe. I saw lots of my students walk by outside and Noah was excited to tell me that she and Lin have been chosen to help with the visiting overseas students next month.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
Recently, I have been less interested in reading poetry. I think I have been overwhelmed with so much to read on prompt blogs and it’s burned me out. It always feels like a chore to analyse someone else’s work in the hope that they return the favour. It’s the ‘like-for-like’ mentality of social media.
Of course, I want my work to be noticed. I think some of it is good and worthy. But to trawl through another 40 poems about the seasons or the moon is a burden I’m getting tired of.
I need to refine my search a bit and perhaps find new places to submit my work where it might get some more exposure. Looking around, though, there are a million poets of all shapes and flavours, all looking for the same thing. I’ll just keep on writing anyway and do appreciate the people who do take the time and interest to read and respond.
Something I learned today?
In an odd coincidence, whilst I was talking with my grade 12s today, Alyn hung up a phone call from a name I recognised as a Facebook friend of mine but I had recently been wondering who it was, as they were using a different name.
She told me that it was her brother and that made me even more curious. It turns out that her brother is my old grade 9 student Achang!
Review your acts, Good and bad.
I received a message back from Anchan this morning, just stating that she is unhappy and I wasn’t really able to offer her any consolation. I reminded her that she told me that her aunt was coming in the next couple of days and that she was hoping for things to get better. I haven’t heard back again, though.
Noey sent me this picture from Utopia this morning because she will fly back to Bangkok, having finished her university life. I had been there earlier and hoped to bump into her before she left, but it wasn’t to be. I told her that I thought that she would be back someday anyway.
The knights felt themselves so gallant One by one they knocked at her door As if their poorly tested talent Were enough to interest and explore
Their eyes focused purely on her dresses She saw through their prods of deceit Her castle would not receive their messes Until their charms were removed of conceit
Their suits of armour soon became rusted As they waited in impatient rains Self-aware they weren’t to be trusted And soon tired of playing their own games
What gift for the lady of situations? The one who wants none of your gold Deaf to their empty wild explanations She’s chosen her own heart to hold
Today I’m feeling:
Really good after invigorating exercise this morning. It’s cold this morning but as I’m charged up from the exercise, I’m ok with just a shirt.
All the kids are asking me if I’m cold, as they are wearing thick jackets already. I can feel that it is cold but I’m not really feeling it. It’s 18 degrees, so still a nice English summer morning!
Health:
Physical: 8 Mental: 8
Today I’m grateful for:
Both of my classes today being very accommodating and easy to teach, though admittedly I had stretched this lesson, about the TV show Hormones, out across two weeks, so that this week all they are required to do is some writing.
They all complain about writing and think that they aren’t learning anything – sometimes the best form of teaching!
The best thing about today was:
Along with the two classes was a four-hour break, which I enjoyed at 22 Grams as Couple Cups was closed.
I got some reading out of the way during this time but also felt that I didn’t have enough time to do all that I wanted. But that always seems to be the case.
Something I learned today?
Amy caught up with Nong Na for lunch today and then Amy caught me up on her news but most of all, I was happy to receive a gift of Toblerone from her!
Review your acts, Good and bad.
I’ve been chatting with Nong Fah a little bit every day to try and help her with her English. She was upset with her art teacher because she wouldn’t let her take her artwork home to finish it. She showed me a photo of the art and I was quite surprised at how good it was.
I’ve also been trying to contact Anchan, as when I saw her yesterday, she was in a really bad mood, and today she didn’t come to school.
A teacher in his natural habitat. One of my grade 12 students had an old-school digital camera and was experimenting.
1994ever 