2010-12-28

Renhai Reflections: Jolly, Folly Times


Jolly, Folly Times

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Zhanna P. Rader (zh.r)

He falls asleep
after hours of writing cards...
the pen, on "Merry." /zh.r

One-armed gingerbread man — /vs
Jack Frost on the window pane. /zh.r

Candy cane —
the crook peeks out from
his coat pocket. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0251.htm

2010-12-19

Renhai Reflections: Cookie Dough And Tinsel


Cookie Dough And Tinsel

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Gillena Cox (gc)

Christmas gifts
with bows and red ribbons,
wrapped and hidden /vs

a fresh batch of poppycock /vs
another rap on the door /gc

paranderos
their frilly shirts ruffling
with their music /gc

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0249.htm

2010-12-12

Renhai Reflections: Filling My Dreams


Filling My Dreams

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Gillena Cox (gc)

an old stocking
boxed in with last years baubles
dusted and gilded /gc

under this starless sky — /vs
chilly breezes through bare trees /gc

the last of the kids
move out, just the memories
to run through my mind /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0248.htm

2010-12-02

Renhai Reflections: Sense Encounters


Sense Encounters

A Renhai by Toshiaki Koike (tk) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

The rodeo clown
grimaces as he runs
toward a barrel. /vs

Amber, here and there — /tk
smudged mascara in her tears. /vs

Fallen leaves —
footstep sounds evoke
childhood memories. /tk

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0247.htm

[This is the last in a four-part series, see the notes for details]

2010-11-27

Renhai Reflections: A Bit Extra


A Bit Extra

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Zhanna P. Rader (zh.r)

Crowded pizza place —
the deep dish special arrives
with extra peppers. /vs

Thin ice covers the pond — /zh.r
sparrows at the bird feeder. /vs

A thick bed blanket
in this well-heated room —
alone in the lodge. /zh.r

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0246.htm

2010-11-20

Renhai Reflections: Holding On


Holding On

A Renhai by Gillena Cox (gc) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

the old homestead —
weathered planks of the roof
now caved-in /vs

cut flowers at the graveside — /gc
fallen tears begin to dry /vs

her wrinkled hands
stir another batch of cookies ...
smiling grand kids /gc

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0245.htm

2010-11-14

Renhai Reflections: Closer to an End


Closer to an End

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

Bit by bit
the jet trail above begins
to break up.

A skiff of frost on the lawn —
flies inside move slower.

A weathered plank
among tiny ice islands —
the gentle flow.

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0244.htm

2010-11-10

Renhai Reflections: Introduction


Introduction

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Gillena Cox (gc)

one kingfisher
on the tallest tree for miles —
the river's faint rush /vs

a single white sandpiper — /vs
the tide ebbs so quietly /gc

whitewashed
city pavement edges —
British royal visit /gc

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0243.htm

2010-11-04

Renhai Reflections: Some Recent Renhai


The following are a few recent Renhai that members of the
Renhai Studio Group have written:

hum
A Renhai by Heike Gewi & Walter Mathois
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0239.htm

Waiting for an Answer
A Renhai by John Daleiden (Solo)
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0240.htm

Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness...
A Renhai by John Daleiden (Solo)
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0241.htm

Changlings
A Renhai by John Daleiden & Janice Thomson
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0242.htm

2010-10-03

Renhai Reflections: Concealing Nooks


Concealing Nooks

A Renhai by Jerry McKenzie (jm) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

The toddler's smile
Reveals a thick layer
of ice-cream. /vs

Glistening slug's trail — /jm
overhanging rhubarb leaves. /vs

A torn box
by the open pantry door —
cookie crumbs. /jm

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0238.htm

2010-09-25

Renhai Reflections: A Measure


A Measure

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Janice Thomson (jt)

Veterans chat
outside the grocery store —
boxes of poppies. /jt

A cluster of large mushrooms — /vs
the World War ll movie ends. /jt

Military funeral —
the General's badges hang
a little heavier. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0237.htm

2010-09-12

Renhai Reflections: Familiar Smells


Familiar Smells

A Renhai by Janice Thomson (jt) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

I peek out the tent...
in the dark by the garbage,
two shiny eyes. /vs

In the flowers, an odour... /jt
the mutt charges in. /vs

Early morning —
striped figures skulking past
dew-laden roses. /jt

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0236.htm

2010-09-05

Renhai Reflections: Let the Fun Begin


Let the Fun Begin

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Gillena Cox (gc)

cheerleader's pompoms
entering the stadium
a line of traffic /gc

popcorn smells from the kitchen — /vs
the puppy's tail a-wagging /gc

a beach-side resort —
shaved ice cone in one hand,
hot-dog in the other /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0235.htm

2010-08-15

Renhai Reflections: Odd Commonality


Odd Commonality

A Renhai by Toshiaki Koike (tk) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

Worried looks
on the faces in the crowd —
Thunderhead. /tk

Late-night video at home... /vs
An eye peeps from the wall's hole. /tk

Seven-hour flight —
I put on my brave face
after the turbulence. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0234.htm

2010-07-18

Renhai Reflections: A Winner Emerges


A Winner Emerges

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Gillena Cox (gc)

Some neighbourhood boys
join in for their world-cup match —
the ball, off a head. /vs

One, two, then three pigeons land — /vs
flying home, team Germany. /gc

Cooing from the eaves —
the TV screen filled with
Soccer City. /gc

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0233.htm

2010-07-11

Renhai Reflections 188: Making the Grade


Making the Grade

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

A puff of smoke
occasionally wafts past
the open window.

Steam railway excursion —
a fly on the wooden seat.

Late afternoon —
the shadow of the cars dance
on the passing field.

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0232.htm

2010-06-29

Renhai Reflections 187: Scents of Purpose


Scents of Purpose

A Renhai by Jerry McKenzie (jm) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

A sod-bound rose
bends at the tightening twine —
blindman's yard. /jm

The string quartet arrives — /jm
berries & lilacs on each table. /vs

The blind-folded archer
pulls back a long arrow —
wobbling apple. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0231.htm

2010-06-20

Renhai Reflections 186: Emerging Contrasts


Emerging Contrasts

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Toshiaki Koike (tk)

a newcomer arrives —
magpies in the trees
begin to, "ga ga..." /tk

red tulips among the weeds — /vs
early spring gale /tk

forest sunrise —
a slug slithers deeper
under the leaves /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0230.htm

[This is the second in a seasonal series, see notes for details.]

2010-06-11

Renhai Reflections 185: Step Forward


Step Forward

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Gillena Cox (gc)

rainflies shedding wings —
at the slightest touch they move
on to the next stage. /gc

mosquitoes sing at sunset /gc
pounding rain hits the tin roof /vs

windshield wiper blades —
a bit of each bug set free
in each swipe's quick pass /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0229.htm

[See notes for info about rainflies.]

2010-05-31

Renhai Reflections 184: On the Loose


On the Loose

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

Poplar fuzz
fills the sky... drifting
on the ground.

Cherry petals face the wind —
the garden path grows pinker.

Open pickup —
pieces of carpet fly out
on the road.

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0228.htm

[See notes for info about poplar fuzz.]

2010-05-16

Renhai Reflections 183: Within, Without


Within, Without

A Renhai by Jerry McKenzie (jm) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

kitchen sink —
the bowl floats within
a submerged pot. /jm

inch of rain in the dog dish — /jm
the mailbox, overflowing... /vs

sea floor oil leak —
the lowered containment vessel
plugs with ice /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0227.htm

[See notes for info about the oil leak reference in verse 3.]

2010-05-07

Renhai Reflections 182: Concurrent


Concurrent

A Renhai by Gillena Cox (gc) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

the old shopkeeper
bagging a purchase; he greets
a new customer /gc

between the calls of a finch /vs
the street-sweeper sneezes, dawn /gc

the haunting echo
of a hidden distant loon...
I pass our lunch pack /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0226.htm

2010-04-25

Renhai Reflections 181: Limit Encounters


Limit Encounters

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Jerry McKenzie (jm)

From the edge
a fly descends into
the peanut butter. /vs

Cycling the canyon rim — /jm
a squirrel crosses the bridge. /vs

The clothes line
naked but for three pins —
landing finch. /jm

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0225.htm

2010-04-08

Renhai Reflections 180: Dispatching

Dispatching
A Renhai by Jerry McKenzie (jm) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

The shovel's crunch
sends mice scurrying
out of their nests. /jm

A sudden rythymic whooshing... /jm&vs
the honk of low-flying geese. /vs&jm

A first warming day,
the song of their return...
not in sight. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0223.htm

2010-03-28

Renhai Reflections 179: Faintly Conducted


Faintly Conducted

A Renhai by Toshiaki Koike (tk) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

river park
wearing a snow hood
muted hush... /tk

raising his dark shades... /vs
somewhere, faint breathing /tk

March wedding...
this moment before the groom
lifts the veil /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0222.htm

[Check the notes for special comments about this Renhai's theme(s).]

2010-03-20

Renhai Reflections 178: Had Been May Be


Had Been May Be

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

A dried pinecone
where the last patch
of snow had been.

The cat scratches in the bed —
a breeze lifts an old flyer.

Sorting through
his old knick-knack box —
corncob pipe.

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0221.htm

2010-03-16

Renhai Reflections 177: Night Cruise


Night Cruise

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Gillena Cox (gc)

under full sail
a sudden swell tosses me
from rail to rail /vs

moonlit coconut palms /vs
bash of foamy white breakers /gc

canopy of stars
which one will this night
pitch me a wish /gc

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0220.htm

2010-03-12

Renhai Reflections 176: Voice


Voices

A Renhai by Jerry McKenzie (jm) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

Hidden ledges
above the building entrance —
pigeon cooings. /jm

Pre-dawn police chopper — /jm
she parts the bedroom blinds. /vs

Listening lip-reader —
the mumbled words come through
a shaggy moustache. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0219.htm

2010-03-07

Renhai Reflections 175: Finding a Way


Finding a Way

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

The melting trickle
has become a river across
the front sidewalk.

Leaning snow shovel —
a skiff of frost glistens.

Over the pond
an extended branch drops
its last leaf.

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0218.htm

2010-03-01

Renhai Reflections 174: The Thin Line


The Thin Line

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & John Daleiden (jd)

At the school
a child raises a flag —
the sound of singing. /jd

Two standing soldiers /vs
a broken rose blossom. /jd

Sugar plum fairy
dancing — her music box
winds down. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0217.htm

[This is the second dual language Renhai (English/Esperanto) that John and I did together.]

2010-02-24

Renhai Reflections 173: Valentine Blues


Valentine Blues

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Gillena Cox (gc)

the blue of two
tanagers enmeshed in
the caricature bush /gc

the phone laid on its cradle /gc
roses nestled in tissue /vs

a letter arrives
with your golden lock
intimate melody /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0216.htm

[And one final valentines renhai.]

2010-02-20

Renhai Reflections 172: Waves of Love


Waves of Love

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & Zhanna P. Rader (zh.r)

Deployed abroad —
on St. Valentine's Day,
his roses. /zh.r

A breeze sways the curtain — /vs
my darling's whispering lips.... /zh.r

The faint rush
of distant waves — longing
to hold you tight. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0215.htm

[Yet another Valentine's renhai.]

2010-02-17

Renhai Reflections 171: Cupid's Aim


Cupid's Aim

A Renhai by Betty Kaplan (bk) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

so long ago...
in a bed of red roses
that first kiss /bk

his and mine carved in a heart... /bk
our walk together, a dream? /vs

yet now to feel
your warm embrace, and touch
each soft lip... /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0214.htm

[Several of us wrote renhai for Valentine's Day. Here is another written with Betty Kaplan.]

2010-02-13

Renhai Reflections 170: Rippling Petals


Rippling Petals

A Renhai by Janice Seward (js) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

Together again —
overwhelmed by ripples
of pure joy. /js

Gentle waves in the pond /js
reflect in your eyes. /vs

Floating rose petals,
each one carrying a message
from my heart. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0213.htm

[A Valentine's renhai with my wife, Janice...]

2010-02-10

Renhai Reflections 169: Layers


Layers

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

A snow storm's
layer of white velvet —
creek bed.

A small break in the clouds —
wolves bay at a full moon.

Howling north wind —
I snuggle a bit deeper
under the sheets.

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0212.htm

[Thanks to Bill and Devika for the choice of title, "Layers".]

2010-02-09

Renhai Reflections 168: A Renhai, Step by Step: Title


A Renhai, Step by Step: Title

by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

A snow storm's
layer of white velvet —
creek bed.

A small break in the clouds —
wolves bay at a full moon.

Howling north wind —
I snuggle a bit deeper
under the sheets.

From the beginning, with one or two exceptions, we have always added titles to our renhai. It is usually something that adds a little hint about the theme or sub-theme or suggests some extra little angle in the reading. When collaborating there is commonly some brainstorming and then the best title is agreed upon by consensus.

Here are some thoughts I have:

-Wisps of Crisp Air
-Wisps of Crispness
-Crisp Wisps
-Between Layers
-Under Layers
-Cracked Open
-Frigid Reposing
...?

Perhaps you have some preferences or other ideas. Tomorrow we'll choose something and complete this renhai!

2010-02-07

Renhai Reflections 167: A Renhai, Step by Step: Completed Middle


A Renhai, Step by Step: Completed Middle

by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

The link to the third verse could be one of many possibilities. I am struck by the first word, "howling" in "Howling north wind", and immediately I see the image of wolves baying at the moon:

A snow storm's
layer of white velvet —
creek bed.

A small break in the clouds —
wolves bay at a full moon.

Howling north wind —
I snuggle a bit deeper
under the sheets.

With the wolves baying at the moon, which by implication is appearing through the break in the clouds, there is as sense of being underneath, below... a kind of sheltering, a feeling which appears in each verse. This is therefore a secondary theme.

Next, and finally, a title...

2010-02-06

Renhai Reflections 166: A Renhai, Step by Step: First of the Middle


A Renhai, Step by Step: First of the Middle

by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

So far we have the following:

A snow storm's
layer of white velvet —
creek bed.

[middle, line 1]
[middle, line 2]

Howling north wind —
I snuggle a bit deeper
under the sheets.

With the reverse process the next step is to write a middle line that references a theme and links to one (or both) of the other verses. With the storm in the first verse and howling wind in the third, I am inclined to extend this weather-related feeling in the middle verse and go with that as the theme.

For the linking, I think of the creek in the first verse... what if that image is reflected in the sky where weather seems to originate?... perhaps something like the following where the break in the clouds appears as the creek "breaks" the terrain it flows through:


A snow storm's
layer of white velvet —
creek bed.

A small break in the clouds —
[middle, line 2]

Howling north wind —
I snuggle a bit deeper
under the sheets.

Now, the other middle line...

2010-02-04

Renhai Reflections 165: A Renhai, Step by Step: Another verse


A Renhai, Step by Step: Another verse

by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

A snow storm's
layer of white velvet —
creek bed.

Possible links:
-Snow, storm, whiteness.
-Layering, flatness.
-Velvet, type of fabric.
-Body of water, aquatic (frozen).
-Channel, line.
-Bed, peacefulness.

From this list I am impressed by the idea of the snow storm and the frozen creek lying silently, perhaps not so warmly, under the pure untouched, newly fallen blanket of snow. In a flash of inspiration this verse emerges:

Howling north wind —
I snuggle a bit deeper
under the sheets.

The links are therefore:
-Covered, sheltered.
-Snow storm / North wind.
-Cloth, material (Velvet / Sheets).
-Bed.

Now, on to the middle lines...


2010-02-03

Renhai Reflections 164: A Renhai, Step by Step: Some Linking


A Renhai, Step by Step: Some Linking

by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

I just now notice that I used word "snow" twice (in the first and second lines). We could change the first line to something like "A passing blizzard's". Or, the second line can be changed to something like, "layer of white velvet". Let's go with that. If you see something better, please leave a comment. So we have:

A snow storm's
layer of white velvet —
creek bed.

The next step is to write the other 3-line verse, which sandwiches the middle 2-line verse. There are a few ways to do this but for this Renhai let's look at some possible links (and we'll let the theme emerge on it's own). Here are some possible links that come to mind (maybe you can see others):

-Snow, storm, whiteness.
-Layering, flatness.
-Velvet, type of fabric.
-Body of water, aquatic (frozen).
-Channel, line.
-Bed, peacefulness.

The next step is playing with these links and discovering another verse that fits. Please stand by...

2010-02-02

Renhai Reflections 163: A Renhai, Step by Step: Inspiration


A Renhai, Step by Step
: Inspiration
by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

For something a little different, in the next few days, I plan to reveal a solo renhai I have been working and do so step by step.

The inspiration for this Renhai begins in the middle of the night as a picture, an image, in my sleepy mind. The image emerges as this 3-line haiku:

A snow storm's
layer of velvet snow —
creek bed.

The forward Renhai process starts with the middle verse and works outward to the other verses. This haiku image, however, starts us off in the reverse direction and will either end up being the first or the third verse. More to come in the next day or two...

2010-01-28

Renhai Reflections 162: Unseen Fauxes


Unseen Fauxes

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

Winter warm snap —
even the fashion mannequins
without hair.

A laundry day's pile, somewhere
her paper doll's blouse.

Afternoon rays —
a tip of the scarecrow's head
begins to appear.

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0211.htm

2010-01-21

Renhai Reflections 161: Unsilence


Unsilence

A Renhai by Jerry McKenzie (jm) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

New year bonfire —
whistles from the tangled
poplar brush pile. /jm

A red-headed woodpecker — /jm
chop-chop, chop-chop, chop... /vs

Hot words and spittle
spew through the old man's
gray beard. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0209.htm

2010-01-17

Renhai Reflections 160: Oblivious


Oblivious

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (vs) & John Daleiden (jd)

A dog barks
without interruption —
ants cross the road. /jd

Two standing soldiers — /vs
children play in the wreckage. /jd

Gridlock traffic —
the bicycle we passed before
is now ahead. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0208.htm

[We wrote this Renhai as a dual-language collaborative effort, see the notes for details]

2010-01-13

Renhai Reflections 159: Critter Crossings


Critter Crossings

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

A fishing line
through the ice hole...
was that a ripple?

A foot encounters the dog
begging under the table.

A neighbourhood kid
comes to the door, in hand
a kitten to give.

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0207.htm

2010-01-07

Renhai Reflections 158: Out Shining


Out Shining

A Renhai by Toshiaki Koike (tk) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

High beams
stab into ice fog —
Passing car. /tk

Through an ice sculpture, /vs
falling long shadows. /tk

Festive lights —
he raises the last set
with a broom. /vs

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0206.htm

[A Merry Orthodox Christmas to all!]

2010-01-03

Renhai Reflections 157: A New Year Reflection


A New Year Reflection

A Renhai by Vaughn Seward (Solo)

A old friend
from twenty years ago
his forehead, larger.

Morning glance in the mirror —
finding hair in new places.

School yearbook...
I'm in a club I don't
recall joining.

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0205.htm