Climate Chaos

A Renga with Betty Hermelee

Earth heats swollen seas
glaciers crack, sink in dark depths
buildings flame in ash

geo-summer grips oceans
burning industry offends

mountains of garbage
eluding putrid stenches
besides, bears crave it

fresh as Spring's slumber, hungry
lunatics cleaned empty paths

many moons ago
street sweepers were aplenty
where does the muck go

when a planet falls in flame
frozen castles shatter life

2022

Author's Note

Betty sent me three haiku and the challenge was on! I tried to tie some rather strange thoughts together with my couplets. Imagination just barely under control. Fun to write!

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

I like the way your Haiku are interspersed with couplets Bill.. It works well. Good on you and Betty working together. Our planet is certainly in danger at the moment. Sadly our species seems to care little for the footprint we leave behind. Plenty of vivid imagery here.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks Chris. Vivid images for sure. When Betty sent me the haiku I wasn't sure where to go with them. Her thoughts inspired much more than just my couplets trying to tie them together. My thoughts on a lot of subjects. Garbage dumped by the homeless in particular. Disgusting and irritating! My couplets make a Renga. If you ever want a go at it send me some haiku or senryu. Might get a surprise back.

[Chris Shaw]

I admire how you have a go at all these different forms Bill. I'd never heard of a Renga before. Thanks for the invitation by the way:)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I see trash on the road or in a lake...and I simply shed a tear just like that Native American in the old commercial.

Nicely blended voices you two.
j.

[William Michael Reeves]

Interesting you should bring that up Jacob. I was surprised to learn the story behind that Indian. It was disheartening. But I believe in the message. If we can keep the loonies on the path, busy sweeping up their own mess, job security can be had by all!

[John the Baptist]

Has the sound of an ecological apocalypse. I frankly don't know where the muck goes. I'll have to ask the attendant at the landfill.

[William Michael Reeves]

I think it gets shoveled off the flat edge of the earth after the sea monsters pick through it.

[Patricia]

So this is one of my pet causes, the environment so of course I love this, no matter what style. I won’t get on my soap box but to say yay you for writing this!

[William Michael Reeves]

Betty's haiku had some profound eco impact hidden in there. Tried to find it. I would prefer you stand tall on your soap box so I can hear you.

[Patricia]

Yes, I’m a bit quiet these days, most people I know are appreciative of that ;)

[William Michael Reeves]

I'll just have to take your word on that. But I'm not buying it. Nothing wrong with quiet though. Easier to think.

[Patricia]

no honestly, very quiet these days, well not with my son cuz he makes me laugh but yes, lots of time to think.