Life is full of moments that, when observed closely, reveal a poetic beauty. From the simple act of brewing coffee to the complex emotions of a heartfelt conversation, every experience has the potential to be a stanza in the grand poem of our existence. In this blog post, I’ll explore how embracing the poetic nature of life can enhance our appreciation for the everyday, illustrated with a personal anecdote that might just make you see the world a bit differently.
The Accidental Haiku
A few years ago, I found myself stuck in an airport during a particularly bad snowstorm. With my flight delayed indefinitely, I settled into an uncomfortable plastic chair with a lukewarm cup of airport coffee and resigned myself to a long wait. As the hours dragged on, I noticed a small child in the waiting area, diligently drawing pictures on a napkin with a bright blue crayon.
The child’s mother was asleep, using her coat as a makeshift pillow, and the child seemed completely absorbed in their artwork. Intrigued, I leaned over and saw that the napkin was covered in tiny, joyful drawings: a plane soaring above fluffy clouds, a stick figure family holding hands, and an enormous smiling sun.
Inspired by the child’s ability to find joy and creativity in a seemingly dreary situation, I pulled out my phone and started typing a note. Before I knew it, I had written a haiku:
Snowstorm in full bloom,
Airports hum with sleepy dreams—
Blue crayon sun smiles.
This accidental haiku brought a smile to my face and transformed my experience. Instead of feeling frustrated by the delay, I found myself appreciating the poetic moments unfolding around me. The snowstorm became a beautiful backdrop, the hum of the airport a soothing soundtrack, and the child’s simple drawings a reminder that beauty can be found anywhere.
Embracing Life as Poetry
Observe the Details: Poetry is all about the details. Take time to notice the small things—the way light filters through your window, the sound of rain tapping on the roof, or the smell of freshly baked bread.
Find Joy in the Mundane: Everyday tasks can be transformed into moments of beauty. Washing dishes becomes a meditation, a walk in the park an exploration of nature’s verses.
Express Yourself: Write, draw, sing, or dance. Find ways to express the poetry you see in life. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours.
Be Present: Mindfulness helps you fully experience each moment. When you’re present, even the most ordinary moments can reveal extraordinary beauty.
Share the Beauty: Share your observations and creations with others. Whether it’s through social media, a blog, or a conversation, spreading beauty can inspire others to see the poetry in their own lives.
Conclusion
Life is a series of poetic moments waiting to be discovered. By slowing down and paying attention, we can find beauty and meaning in the everyday. My accidental haiku in the airport taught me that poetry isn’t confined to books—it’s all around us, in the smiles of children, the patterns of nature, and the rhythm of daily life.
Call to Action: Take a moment today to find the poetry in your life. Write a haiku, draw a picture, or simply observe the world around you. Share your poetic moments in the comments below or on social media using #LifeIsPoetry.
Minimal Power 