December morning by Margaret Simon
I am writing a haiku each day in December along with others in the kidlitosphere. This morning I woke up to this beautiful view with the morning light creating perfect reflections in the bayou water. It was calling for a poem. The words became something between a haiku (5,7,5 syllable count) and a tanka (5,7,5,7,7 syllables)
Sometimes light rises
so illuminating, bright,
all life pauses
to look at its reflection.(c) Margaret Simon
Yesterday on my morning walk I gathered fall leaves. I don’t remember having such colorful leaves before, but maybe I just didn’t notice. Linda Baie wrote about pressing leaves between waxed paper with her grandchildren recently. She reminded me of this activity, so I pressed my leaf collection and taped it into my art journal. This is the completed page.
A leaf turns yellow
falls without making a sound–
Earth’s hush releases.(c) Margaret Simon
If you would like to join in the challenge, use the hashtag #haikuforhope and follow @MaryLeeHahn and @flynn_catherine and @LBaie on Twitter.
Reflections on the Teche 
There is definitely hope in the peacefulness of nature!
Oh, I’m happy to see your own pressed leaves, Margaret & that beautiful morning light. You are fortunate to be able to look out on the water. Hope lies there, too.
Why, thank you for the invitation, Margaret…I think I’ll join you in #haikuforhope! The impossible beauty of leaves never fails. Thanks also for your comment on my post. I know you get that special joy of return.
These are both such beautiful pieces! Such an interesting and comforting thought that all life pauses for light.
You have such a beautiful backdrop for beautiful poems! I loved them both. My favorite line is “Earth’s hush releases” – so much imagery there.