202 Turtle Haiku

“Why 202Turtle Haiku?”, you may ask. Or where did I get this title?” First, let me start explaining what Haiku is, for those who don’t know. Mr. Webster says, “it is an unrhymed verse form of Japanese origin having three lines usually 5, 7 and 5 syllables respectively.” So it is a traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of five beats in the first line, seven in the second and five in the third. Haikus are usually about nature but you can choose whatever subject you’d like to focus on. I chose Turtle Haiku because of my turtle pet named, “Pong”. This haiku is about him and the rest of the turtle gang. I am not a Haiku poet, but I am just overwhelmed to write Pong’s story in a haiku manner 5,7 and 5 syllable three lines. I was writing the Turtle Haiku until I reached the 101 plus haiku when my nephew Francis John suggested to make it 202, doubling the 101 for a change. 101 is the number that is frequently referred to as titles like 101 Elephant Jokes, 101 Cleaning Tips, 101 Quotations, 101 Riddles and many more. Since I have already written more than 101 Haikus, why not continue up to 202, right? So, “202 Turtle Haiku” is the official title of my book. And I like the sound too, very rhythmic. Actually it is more than 202, including Pong’s own poem, the author’s message and some facts about water and aquatic turtles. Since some reviewers of Pong’s story requested for his pictures, I thought of inserting few of them at the center fold of the book. Pong participated in this Haiku poetry. Portion of the poetry came from his observation around him including me. I tried to make it a real talking turtle through instilling my thoughts and imaginations in Pong’s image. I tried to give life to his story. I have learned a lot from taking care of Pong and my other turtles. If people would pay more attention to some animal behaviors, like my pet Pong, they could learn some virtues. Turtles are persistent, patient and with a lot of perseverance. These, I have observed when Pong tried to climb up persistently and able to reach his target place. And this is a sign of a positive attitude. Turtles are cautious, confident and with a lot of courage. When I placed Pong on a higher counter, he didn’t want to continue walking, knowing it would be dangerous if he did. Once he learned that it was safe to go on, then he was confident to do it, not only once but many times. As a hatchling, Pong already showed a sign of courage, swimming at distance towards us. He also showed independence, getting away from the other hatchlings and from his mother. Another virtue is Pong’s natural resiliency. He is strong, as evidenced by carrying a heavy load on his back. It’s not only Pong with physical trait like this, all turtles I guess. How about the famous slogan, “Slow But Sure?” I witnessed that too, when Pong started to walk slowly, progressing to walking fast. I know it’s worth to mention their virtues and I indeed learned from Pong through my close observation of his unique behaviors. Most part of the haiku is Pong’s dialogue and often times he addresses me as his mom, rescuer and master. I don’t mind even mother turtle, turtle lover or trainer is totally acceptable.