At first sight, you might read this haiku and say, “so what?” However, I believe through its statement, it helps us realize how the landscapes around us have been shaped: through a long process. This observation can apply metaphorical to our lives as well, in that what we keep frozen inside us cuts us slowly.

With the word “cutting” it is inferred that it is painful. We might even garner some compassion for the granite through its suffering, though we know in the back of our mind that granite does not feel suffering. That is one of the powers of haiku: giving us compassion for every form of life, even inanimate things.

Without punctuation, the poet makes the two parts clearly separate. The sound works well, with “I” sounds running through it, possibility showing the sound of cutting.

This haiku has a classic feel to it, with it being an observation made into a great insight.

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)

Haiku is a lot about being objective, accurate, specific, and describing our senses. This is a good example of these qualities. Alan Summers, who is taking a break as a mentor, has often told others about being specific in haiku and how it can add layers and additional meaning to haiku. Marilyn is a true student of Alan. “granite fissures” and “coltsfoot” is right on the mark in terms of being specific.

She could have written:

sheltered from wind
in a hole in a rock
small leafy plant

…but as we see, not only does this lessen the beauty of the sound, it makes it harder for the reader to experience the moment that the haiku portrays. By saying it is granite, fissures, and coltsfoot, the poet gives a vivid picture of the haiku moment and allows us to immerse in the experience.

About the actual feeling of the haiku, I like how the haiku implies that nature has compassion in its seemingly random existence. The haiku is concise, well-paced, and focused.

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)