Haiku

Dewdrops, limpid, small
and such a lack of judgement shown
in where they fall

-Nishiyama Soin, 1605-1682

Haiku is so succinct and descriptive. It's true, those crystalline microcosms fall and gather on flower petals and the rusted-out tin cans alike, as if there were no distinction between the two.

When my children are old enough to appreciate me likening them to dewdrops, I'll tell them to be discriminating about where they land. I'll counsel them not to squander their infinite worth by shining like a diamond in an unworthy place. I'll tell them that their surroundings can magnify their potential or extinguish it, so choose wisely.

As a twenty-something, I spent time in the rusted-out places of the world, even knowing that truth and beauty were to be found elsewhere. Now I know better, but my children haven't learned that lesson yet. That's why we go to church every week. That's why we take them with us to concerts. That's why we make them practice and give them good books. That's why we point out the dewdrops and the mountains. It's so they will grow their own judgement, their own reliance on the Spirit. So that when darkness falls, they will know where to look for light. After I've imparted the meagre knowledge that I've earned, I pray that these little souls will be able to distinguish the tulips from the tin cans.