Hit by a Thunderbolt: Crisis Haiku

BY ALYSA CUMMINGS

Doesn't a crisis sometimes feel like that? (A thunderbolt, that is). Have you ever said, "I just didn't know what hit me" to describe a sudden problem or challenging situation that rocks your world? Maybe that crisis is the life altering news of a job lost to downsizing. Or scary test results in your doctor's office. Maybe it's an interpersonal conflict with a friend, co-worker or spouse that has suddenly ratcheted up to the crisis level.

Whatever the situation, sometimes tuning to poetry as an outlet for loud, uncomfortable feelings can bring some instant relief. And sometimes just that momentary lightness can lead to a clearer perspective or insight about what to do next, whether that next step is a viable solution to the crisis at hand or just the short-term calm of a deep coping breath.

For example, here's a poem I wrote using the haiku form (5-7-5 syllables on three lines) applied to the crisis of an estranged sibling:

Create Your Own Thunderbolt Crisis Haiku

You can describe a thunderbolt of crisis in your life by using the form of Create Your Own Haiku. This will be YOUR personal, private, confidential haiku poem by yourself to yourself. We assure you that we will NOT keep a copy or read what you write. We will NOT disclose your address to anyone else. When you submit your e-mail to YOURSELF, as soon as you click "Send this haiku to me," it is speeded on its way only to your personal inbox.

However, if you want to share your haiku with Support4Change, you will need to send it in an e-mail to comments@support4change.com

©2002, Revised 2006 Alysa Cummings

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