Perfect Poem’s Paradox

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

The scholars say that haiku does not aim

For hugeness and eternity; ideal

Perfection; or divinity’s pale flame —

In fact three lines hope only they can feel

A tiny wren, its moment on a branch.

What happens to the haiku if the vast

Intrudes; infinity as avalanche

Explodes down in the heart, or as a blast

The meaning of the cosmos comes along

Because that bird and branch bring Buddha’s light?

What happens if a prim, prim poem, song

Or creature causes visions?  Is that blight?

  What happens if the haiku wounds, makes breaks

    In ribs, and if their temple’s altars ache?

~ Phillip Whidden