For peace at day’s end
speak little; hold your truths close.
Let sleeping dogs lie.
My granddaughter, Scout, with Dennis the dachshund during a sleepover.
Senryu is Japanese poetry of three lines and 17 morae (syllables), usually arranged 5-7-5, similar to haiku. Traditional haiku is focused on nature, whereas senryu reveals something about the nature of humans in a lively, funny (often “punny”), dark, or ironic way.
Seemed a symbolic way to capture this serene Slice of Life scene.
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Composed for Day 8 of the Slice of Life Story Writing Challenge with Two Writing Teachers
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lit bits and pieces 
Blissful furry friend/ Snuggles in friendly shoulder/Sleeping dog’s delight.
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Your words, combined with that image, are perfect! I had known about haiku, but not about senryu. I’ll have to give it a try!
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Thank you, Amy – I hope you will have fun experimenting with senryu!
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Sweet senryu to capture this sweetheart and your puppy. Nothing but love here.
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Oh, my whole day is made. The eyes of your sweet Scout and the trusting sleeping comfort of Dennis with his curled-up snooze is just delightful. That picture with his little paws folded back in true dachshund style and the words of your poem combine to bring all the feels on this Friday morning when we know the rain will set in by sunset. And we will all hope that we can sleep as soundly as this little Dennis in the arms of someone we love so much.
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Scouty loves this dog so much – for some reason. she’s nicknamed him Mr. Shrimp. It’s hilarious – even Micah will call him that! He clearly loves her, too. Thank you for these thoughts, Kim!
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Love the pic and your poem’s play on words; senryu is new to me, so I have to give it a try.
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A beautiful poem, a beautiful photo, a moment of love. I love your clever turn of phrase, and I so appreciate having learned a new kind of poem! I can’t wait to explore this form and learn more – perhaps I will try it myself.
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Thanks so much for your words – I hope you’ll have fun playing with senryu!
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Oh, what truths this very small senryu holds. I love the photo that accompanies it, and the being quiet, holding truths…what a lovely way to end a day. Gorgeous poem.
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Thank you so much, Denise!
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Isn’t this lovely! I can feel the snuggles from Dennis and the love from Scout. The lesson in your poem is such a good thing to remember – “hold your truths close.” Thanks for a new poetry form to try!
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Thank you – the examples of senryu out there are fun. I wanted to use “let sleeping dogs lie” for metaphor and because it fit the form. I hope you’ll have fun with it!
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My writing colleagues
speak deeply, and sincerely,
even when pensive.
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Ah! Thank you, dear writing colleague!
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Charming photo along with the charming poem! I love the expression on Scout’s face, even though you can’t see her mouth. Serene is such an onomatopoeic word. Thanks for teaching us another poem form!
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My Scouty is an absolute joy – she loves Dennis so much. He’s a great part of the sleepover fun! I could have written more to the sweetness of the moment with a different form, but I loved incorporating the human behavior focus with “let sleeping dogs lie” and metaphor. Plus – I couldn’t resist the alliteration of “serene senryu.” It captured my poet-heart and wouldn’t turn loose.
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Love the use of the pun here! What a sweet moment to capture.
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