vistas floating in a blaze

(predicted and foreseen)

"it's just a phase," too many believe - 

sadly, everything's a haze,

why are people so naïve?

we seek alternative ways - 

pursuing time for dippin'

surrounded by these many toxins

pondering, like a salad tossed,

wondering, what are our options,

my concentration paused

I reach deep for substance

holding time to go dippin'

when my thoughts get lost

like visions suspended and frozen - 

floating in an ocean covered with frost,

I gather threads scrabbled and broken

collecting time to go dippin'

going thru the motion and nothing to show,

in a world filled with commotion - 

no longer in my flow

I listen to the outdoors, so woken

hearing it's time to go dippin'

in the morning, it's chilly

even if everything's slipping

and my passion's icy

while my skin is tripping

I allow space for feeling

granting time for dippin'

trees standing still with a lean

to slow down the pace,

water's smooth and pristine,

leaving just a slight trace

opening our hearts, our breaths embrace,

exposed, it's fine for dippin'

my heart's hearing lets chaos blow,

with water glistening and nature whispering

I marvel at the reflection of the pine

skinny, finger, or just a toe is fine,

knowing each's prime for dippin'

life springs forth fresh and green,

stepping into the space

soft, subtle, and serene

I cherish her divine grace

nature and I - on the same team,

together, dippin' sets us free

— poem © Kent Burkhardsmeier

with spring thaw flowing,

water rising, trees swimming—

fine time for dippin'

— haiku © Kent Burkhardsmeier