Johnathan Lincoln Lau, MD 2019
Re:turn is my 2nd poem composed of haikus. This poem is an aggregate of haikus I've written after separate experiences in Canada and Jamaica. I love haikus as a medium of expression as it challenges me to write as a minimalist, and encourages the use of vivid imagery. Interpret it as you will, I'd love to hear about them!
For me, it deals with self-doubt that comes along with this increasingly competitive world we live in. It's a realization that our daily strife is a microcosm of thought patterns that develop in response to our surroundings. I hope, by reading the poem you can appreciate different microcosms of thought patterns. Having spent so much time in Toronto working on my career, nearing burnout, I decided to visit Jamaica and my old friends again. It was like taking sunglasses off at the beach - every time I'm awed at how vividly beautiful this planet is.
I think we can all ride the rollercoaster of thoughts and forget we're on it. In a meditative sense, we have to realize we might be behaving or thinking in a way we may not like because of our physical, mental, and spiritual environments. If you don't like it, change it. I think that's crucial in moving forward with our careers in medicine.
Note to future self: "John, jus' easy yuself and gwaan do yuh ting yute. You know seh yaad and all you brejjin and fam dem a guh tek care a you. Nuh watch no face; focus 'pon yuself, zeen?"
For me, it deals with self-doubt that comes along with this increasingly competitive world we live in. It's a realization that our daily strife is a microcosm of thought patterns that develop in response to our surroundings. I hope, by reading the poem you can appreciate different microcosms of thought patterns. Having spent so much time in Toronto working on my career, nearing burnout, I decided to visit Jamaica and my old friends again. It was like taking sunglasses off at the beach - every time I'm awed at how vividly beautiful this planet is.
I think we can all ride the rollercoaster of thoughts and forget we're on it. In a meditative sense, we have to realize we might be behaving or thinking in a way we may not like because of our physical, mental, and spiritual environments. If you don't like it, change it. I think that's crucial in moving forward with our careers in medicine.
Note to future self: "John, jus' easy yuself and gwaan do yuh ting yute. You know seh yaad and all you brejjin and fam dem a guh tek care a you. Nuh watch no face; focus 'pon yuself, zeen?"
Jitters with the dawn;
Eyes bright open -- hopeful light
Swallowed by grey clouds.
Surrounding shadows
Glancing with no time to stop.
Merely blood flowing.
Why even bother?
Transience governs this life,
Petals bud yet shed.
Withering away.
Hollow ideas warranting
Self-satisfaction.
Maple whirlybirds
pirouette, falling
On desolate winds.
Hummingbird soars through
Undulating limestone skies.
Perched ‘pon ackee tree.
Fiery lines appear;
Flickering strokes on blackness.
On the roof of hope,
You all by my side,
Concrete hard on our backs--
Touched by heaven's arms.
Hibiscus flowers
Fated dancing with gale winds,
In tune with sun beams.
Bountiful orchids
Swaying together carefree;
Contrasting vibrance.
To live life, nuh true?
Multichromatically --
Coexisting peace.
We, reunited
Breathing in guava vapours,
Exhaling burn out.
Luminous friendships;
Lovers return to clasp hands.
Refreshing changes
Eyes bright open -- hopeful light
Swallowed by grey clouds.
Surrounding shadows
Glancing with no time to stop.
Merely blood flowing.
Why even bother?
Transience governs this life,
Petals bud yet shed.
Withering away.
Hollow ideas warranting
Self-satisfaction.
Maple whirlybirds
pirouette, falling
On desolate winds.
Hummingbird soars through
Undulating limestone skies.
Perched ‘pon ackee tree.
Fiery lines appear;
Flickering strokes on blackness.
On the roof of hope,
You all by my side,
Concrete hard on our backs--
Touched by heaven's arms.
Hibiscus flowers
Fated dancing with gale winds,
In tune with sun beams.
Bountiful orchids
Swaying together carefree;
Contrasting vibrance.
To live life, nuh true?
Multichromatically --
Coexisting peace.
We, reunited
Breathing in guava vapours,
Exhaling burn out.
Luminous friendships;
Lovers return to clasp hands.
Refreshing changes
