Category: Haiga

Facing the Sun

On By Al W GalliaIn Beauty, Faith, God, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Louisiana, Nature, Peace, Senryu, UncategorizedLeave a comment

It is only February and yet it feels like spring here in south Louisiana! The smell of early blooming flowers and greening trees lifts my spirit with hope for a good year ahead. I think about the snow and ice just about a days drive north and wonder: Is climate change real and is this the new normal? Whatever the case, I know we cannot control it and thank God for His many blessings, trusting Him to lead me on. Blessings and peace, my friends.

blooming azaleas…
birds at the feeder oblivious
to lawnmower noise

Al Gallia

Still Pond

On By Al W GalliaIn dragonflies, God, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Nature, Peace, Serendipity, Uncategorized3 Comments

Away from life’s busyness and noise, I relish my time of solitude in nature. The day’s stress resides as birds return to their nests and evening’s peaceful quiet settles over the little pond. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings.

passing clouds…
the damselflies like me
need a rest

Al Gallia

Growing Up Realtime

On By Al W GalliaIn Aging, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Nostalgia, Senryu, Uncategorized3 Comments

The 50’s were the time of my teenage years, when life was real, simple and direct. Radio and fuzzy TV! No cable, no computers, no cell or smart phones, no apps, social media, online gaming, or A.I.!

But bikes, local parks, Dairy Queens, drive-in movies, fishing, and realtime friends I could share life with were enough! Blessings and peace, my friends. Pray for our young folks.

fifties diner
whiff of youth’s memories
and bacon
Al Gallia 2023

A Fellow Traveler

On By Al W GalliaIn Faith, God, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Life, Nature, Peace, Senryu, Uncategorized

Out of the chill wind, I lean against the sun-warmed brick wall. A brief mid winter warmup lures my thoughts toward coming springtime in south Louisiana.

limp banana leaf
a young anole warms
in the winter sun

feeling the sunlight on my face
I too thank our loving God

Al Gallia 2023

An impatient commuter honks his horn at another car! For the moment, I am brought back into the real world where we humans continue our endless, chaotic struggle of cultures, morals, religions, money and power. But only briefly, as then I let my senses flow back to the blessed solitude, peace, and oneness of God and nature, to the promised hope and deliverance of my Christian faith.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find…”

Matthew 7:7

Silence

On By Al W GalliaIn Beauty, God, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Nature, Walkabout4 Comments

The complete absence of sound…the smell and sight of fresh snow…my memories flow back from my winter walkabouts in Montana! So clean, so quiet! Yet I always sense God’s nearness. I do miss it sometimes. Blessings and peace, my friends. Happy New Year!

A Glimpse of Heaven

On By Al W GalliaIn Beauty, Faith, God, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Nature, Peace, Senryu, Spirituality, Sunset, Uncategorized

Sitting on a pier at Perdido Bay, Florida on a still winter evening, i feel so blessed as the sunset kaleidoscope slowly turns.

‘raw sienna’ drips
from the artist’s brush…
winter blaze

Al W Gallia

I sense God’s peace and comfort settle in my soul, and I hear His whisper, “Be still and know I am your God. I love you!”

a seagull settles nearby
unimaginable colors
beckon my soul

Al W Gallia

Look Behind the Veil

On By Al W GalliaIn Aging, Beauty, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Love, Nature, Senryu, Simplicity, Uncategorized6 Comments

a withering leaf…/ remnants of nature’s beauty/ litter the forest

Al W Gallia

Some things are timeless… not related to human manipulation and degradation. The beauty of unspoiled Nature in her virgin glory, a gift from our loving God, is at the top of my list:

A golden leaf swirling in a stream’s eddy; mottled sunlight on a blossom; a cardinal sitting on a limb; a sand-fall down a canyon wall; even a new dandelion rising through a cracked rock. Whether a fading leaf or a wizened old woman, innate beauty never changes and remains locked in time, unblemished forever.

a circling butterfly
touches down on her finger tip
breeze blown wildflowers

Al W Gallia

True beauty has no need of mankind’s touch, but only to be left alone to radiate and be appreciated.

Haiku- Fate Can Be Fickle

On By Al W GalliaIn Aging, COVID-19, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Senryu, Uncategorized5 Comments

Whether Covid or flu, surely most of us have experienced the helpless feeling of being trapped with no escape!

nearby coughing…
the old man wishes he had
brought his mask

Al W Gallia

That lurking evil virus or cold in the crowded waiting room…will it find me if I sit apart, stay still, and keep a low profile? Probably! Blessings and peace, my friends.

The Waiting Room
The Waiting Room

Smile Begets Smile

On By Al W GalliaIn Faith, God, Haiga, jesus, Love, Senryu, Uncategorized3 Comments

Americans and the world must heed St. Teresa’s words now! She joyfully spoke God’s message of love and care to all who would listen. Blessings and peace, my friends.

clerk’s sad face gone—
another smile blooming
from a smile

Al Gallia 2022

A Moment’s Pause

On By Al W GalliaIn Faith, God, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Nature, Peace, Senryu, Simplicity, Sunset, Uncategorized, Water6 Comments

Last light of a hot summer day. As the hum of awakening mosquitoes grows louder in my ears, I pause for a last look at monotone surreality.

still waters…
hushed swishing
of heron’s wings

Al W Gallia

And I whisper, “Lord, thank you.” No more need be said..

(Image is AI generated)