When I saw the One Deep Breath prompt "reflections," my first thought was of the haiku I wrote at age 12, which won an award:
The mirror reflects
a nameless shapeless image
who is this lost child?
All these years later, more reflections come to mind:
Blue-green eyes mirror
the joy and pain she's witnessed
rich and complex life
Eyes reflecting pools
glimpses of life's ebb and flow
swimming against tides
Self-portrait 2006
Jesus, you're stunningly beautiful. Why couldn't you live closer to Massachusetts?
JP, fellow poet
Posted by: jurassicpork | 04 January 2008 at 02:19
Great warm photo, as others mentioned.
Good job on reflections prompt too.
Posted by: Pearl | 22 January 2007 at 15:35
Beautiful 'ku. Although haiku is not my forte, and I lean towards writing much grittier fare, I do enjoy these little gems...thank you!
Posted by: lettershaper | 22 January 2007 at 06:07
What a wonderful collection of relfection haiku especially the third one. We live with such ebb and flow. I love the self portrait also.
Posted by: Jone | 21 January 2007 at 21:53
what a perfect post for reflection.
So very good to see you, too! :)
Posted by: Willow Grace | 21 January 2007 at 07:36
Lovely Picture- Thanks
Posted by: Misplaced | 19 January 2007 at 21:00
Tara, it was so wonderful to see a photo of you. I've always wondered what you look like. You're a natural beauty! Love how you're absolutely glowing in this photo!
Posted by: Javacurls | 18 January 2007 at 23:53
Berrie, it's not the same photo you saw last summer, although it is a similar "pose."
Thank you ALL for your lovely, thoughtful comments and compliments. I am truly honoured and touched by your kind words and sentiments.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 18 January 2007 at 13:20
I have seen this photo before of you T and it is the one in 'my mind' when I read your postings...you are a BeaUty through and through! and at 12 you certainly had IT! & continue to have it! XOXO
Posted by: berrie | 18 January 2007 at 13:17
oh' how refreshing your self portrait is!!..Adorable!
Posted by: Luxie | 18 January 2007 at 02:14
What a lovely picture of you. You have a very kind face - Warm. And perfect Haiku's - as usual.
Posted by: Hundred and one | 17 January 2007 at 22:06
Is this a perfect post? Haiku and a gorgeous self portrait? I think so.
PS: it makes your wonderfully kind comments even more comforting to be able to imagine them coming from your beautiful, warm face.
Posted by: Frida | 17 January 2007 at 15:35
What a sweet picture.
Posted by: Rosa | 17 January 2007 at 14:33
Tara -love you! you are gorgeous & I love that you won a prize with your haiku. I must give it a go oneday - poetry is not my 'thing' ( I am still trying to work out just what my think is) - but your words here inspire me! thankyou xo
Posted by: miss*R | 17 January 2007 at 11:55
Magnificent haiku. What a talent you are to have written such a insightful one at such a young age.
I particularly like the blue green eyes haiku.
I love your photo. Warm, kind, loving are the words that come to mind! :)
I also love your header. It's fantastic!
Posted by: JourneyThroughLife | 17 January 2007 at 07:38
You are so beautiful and you look like a teenager - soulful yet playful eyes and the smile to match your heart! And WOW, that's an amazing Haiku for a 12 year old.
XOXO
Love,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa(0ceandreamer) | 17 January 2007 at 04:17
All three are great!
What a profound piece to write at the age of 12! Bravo!
Posted by: Michelle | 16 January 2007 at 22:58
GORGEOUS photo! love your haiku, they are always so great, but these ones are particularly beautiful.
Posted by: leonie | 16 January 2007 at 21:24
Dear Tara...
I love your ku from the younger you! And the one from present day Tara is as exquisite as your self-portrait.
Much peace & love, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 16 January 2007 at 20:35
Look at your beautiful face. I adore you. :)
Your words are ones I can relate to...I think we all can.
:)
Posted by: Amber | 16 January 2007 at 18:36
Your 12 year old self just at the beginning of your search and the haikus of today showing the progress and experiences of that search. One continuous line. Amazing.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 16 January 2007 at 18:17
Absolute perfection....I have goose bumps to prove it! The picture, the words!
Love and hugs!
Posted by: giggles | 16 January 2007 at 15:50
an amazing haiku from a 12-year-old you...and your photo is a perfect illustration of eyes reflecting what's inside...very beautifully wise.
Posted by: Megan | 16 January 2007 at 15:25
Look at your beautiful self! I loved the words here but even more, your gorgeous face. xo
Posted by: kristen | 16 January 2007 at 14:43
How very nice to see you! I am stunned by your 12 year old haiku.
Posted by: Maryam in Marrakesh | 16 January 2007 at 10:35
You wrote that when you were 12?!?
Posted by: Marilyn | 16 January 2007 at 08:23
all very good
the one written at 12 is stunning
Posted by: qazse | 16 January 2007 at 06:21
The last line sumes it up. Your eyes look beautiful in the photo, and your smile. I am running a little late this week, have just posted mine.
Posted by: Catherine | 16 January 2007 at 03:15
so pretty.... the words, the face, the person !
Posted by: diana | 16 January 2007 at 01:56
Beautiful soul.......beautiful woman.....beautiful to see you Tara.....as beautiful as your flower pictures....
Posted by: awareness | 16 January 2007 at 01:39
The eyes, yes, but what about the cheekbones? You certainly have had a few tides to swim against, haven't you? Lovely haikus.
Posted by: Laura | 16 January 2007 at 00:01
Tara, you're lovely - your writing and your manner as seen in the photo.
Kay
Posted by: Kay | 15 January 2007 at 23:38
Beautiful! Words and your photo.
Posted by: tut-tut | 15 January 2007 at 22:43
Lovely Tara,lovely you! The inner child shines through!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 15 January 2007 at 22:31
I understand why the 12 year old won an award :-)
Love the photo.
Posted by: Jemima von Schindelberg | 15 January 2007 at 22:13
Yummy, the haikus make me so introspective...What a beautiful self portrait--so full of life.
Posted by: Novel Nymph | 15 January 2007 at 21:34
great haikus
Posted by: rhino | 15 January 2007 at 21:10
I see the beauty and light inside and out, with wisdom of your experiences mixed in. Love this portrait! XXOO
Haiku are always great it's just such a treat to see YOU!
Posted by: Tammy | 15 January 2007 at 20:53
Your today haiku reflect so much of your yesterday haiku. Or vice-versa. Your eyes look as hopeful now as they must have then. Cool!
Posted by: jillypoet | 15 January 2007 at 20:26
That is such an amazing haiku from your 12-year-old self. I love the additions in the now. I think your eyes reflect so much of what I imagine you to be. Beautiful.
Posted by: Holli | 15 January 2007 at 20:13
Love the Kidku! Speaking of which...you still look like a kid...but write like a sage...lovely reflections :-)
Posted by: susan | 15 January 2007 at 19:54
What an amazing ku your child-self wrote!
Posted by: Roswila (a/k/a Patricia) | 15 January 2007 at 19:47
Hello! very nice , your french home! I speak no more english ! but i am very enjoy to descover you and your french life, So long, Framboisine
Posted by: framboisine | 15 January 2007 at 19:44
Your words ring with truth - I do believe the eyes are reflections of the soul within.
I love this photo and it's accompanying poetry - so lovely and true, just like the subject/author! xo
Posted by: tinker | 15 January 2007 at 19:31
Swimming against the tide
me too
Posted by: Gemma | 15 January 2007 at 19:19
I love your little grin! It's nice to fit a face with the writer now!
What a beautiful haiku, Tara- you come by all this loveliness quite naturally, I see!
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | 15 January 2007 at 18:53
These are splendid! Honesty reflected through your words; life's trials and tribulations. Your smile reflected is another series of haiku ; )
Posted by: getzen | 15 January 2007 at 18:23
Those eyes have seen a lot. Your poetry skills started early on!
Posted by: Star | 15 January 2007 at 18:09
Wow, that is an amazing transformation in thought.
You are so pretty, dear Tara! With lovely eyes.
Posted by: bella | 15 January 2007 at 17:50
Wow. Beautiful haiku, even at 12 years old! I need to peruse your site. My ancestry is French!
Posted by: R's Musings | 15 January 2007 at 16:53