Haru Shoru

on humble shoulders
the caress of a silk shawl
compassionate gift

Kim M. Russell, 2017

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My response to Carpe Diem #1191 (spring) shawl or haru shoru

In this new episode of CDHK, Chèvrefeuille has introduced another classical kigo for spring. He says that it can be cold in spring, not as cold as winter, but when it’s ‘spring-cold’, you sometimes need a shawl – not one of wool but of cotton or linen. When he couldn’t find a haiku with this season word, he explored another shawl which is very important in Zen Buddhism, the holy scarf or khata, which symbolizes purity and compassion. It is worn or presented with incense on many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings, funerals, graduations and the arrival or departure of guests.