It’s All Elemental

Summary

Toni Greathouse presents a quadra haiku poem titled "TOᑎI TᗩᒪKᔕ" for the July 2023 Paper Poetry Challenge, integrating the themes of respect and elemental forces.

Abstract

The article showcases a poem by Toni Greathouse, "TOᑎI TᗩᒪKᔕ," which is a response to two prompts: the "Respect Respect" challenge by Paper Poetry and a quadra haiku prompt from Vocal. The poem, structured in haiku form, pays homage to the four classical elements—Earth, Water, Fire, and Air—and their association with the zodiac signs. Greathouse reflects on the ancient Greek belief that these elements sustain life and form the basis of all existence. The creation process involved revisiting an old poem with fresh perspective to achieve the desired rhythm and meaning. The article includes customized Canva creations to visually complement the poem and concludes with a brief personal introduction of the author, Toni Greathouse, who is approaching age 60 and is focused on living fully while planning for the future.

Opinions

The author expresses satisfaction with the final result of the poem, stating they are "over the moon happy" with it.
Greathouse acknowledges the challenge of maintaining the 5–7–5 haiku rhythm without compromising the poem's message.
The poem suggests a connection between the zodiac signs and the classical elements, implying that these elements have grounding and renewing effects on individuals.
The author's moniker and personal description convey a philosophy of living life to the fullest and creating a lasting legacy.

“Respect Respect” the Earth… Water… Fire… Air…

Customized Canva Creation by Toni Greathouse

Wise Sagittarius Fiery Leo Fans the Flames Aries Is Dynamic

Different Yet Same… Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, Mother Earth Grounds You

Rested… Renewed… Quenched… Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio, Water Surrounds You

Inhale… Exhale… Aquarius and Gemini, Libra Completes.

This poem crests at the intersection of two prompts. One challenge, Respect Respect, was issued by Paper Poetry this month. The other was a prompt from Vocal (6 months ago) to write a quadra haiku.

The premise was intriguing. The result is a quadra haiku that incorporates respect, and doubles back to add-in Paper Poetry’s June “elemental” theme.

According to Vocal ancient Greeks believed the four classical elements were responsible for sustaining life and were the source of all things.

That’s what I had to work with. Started it six months ago, then struggled mightily to get the 5–7–5 haiku rhythm right, without losing the meaning. Looking at an old poem with new eyes did the trick.

TOᑎI TᗩᒪKᔕ | Quadra Haiku | July 2023 Paper Poetry Challeᑎge

It’s All Elemental

“Respect Respect” the Earth… Water… Fire… Air…

I’m over the moon happy with the result!

Parting pic of the poem that I penned.