Silent Pond

Silent Pond

An old silent pond...

A frog jumps into the pond,

Splash! Silence again.

Is translated by: Harry Behn

I was attending my English 4 (Introduction to Literature) a month ago, when a Haiku which is a Japanese form of poetry caught my attention. It is not the form that appealed to me rather it is the meaning of the poem that piqueded my whole interest. Prior to that realization, I regarded Haiku as a mere poem with three lines and seven syllables, nothing special with no features.

I am not totally interested with Haiku and I am neither enthusiast to learn it, mainly because I thought that it is too deep for me to understand and it is too much for me to intensively study the subject, when I know that there are more important things in my student life that needs more focus and effort. However, I was enlightened when my classmates lively reported the Haiku and when our teacher heartily discussed it well. Thus, I have begun to understand and appreciate the beauty of Haiku beyond its few-accurate words. Moreover, the poem above is my most favorite Haiku ever; I find it realistic and relative to my very being.

In the poem I could resemble the silent pond as my daily life wherein a typical day for me starts silently, well-organized, undisturbed and placid. It makes me feel better to know that everything is in my control and it makes me feel worthy to perform my daily errands sufficiently.

However just like a frog that jumps into the pond without prior notice, unseen situations also strike my silent living without a warning which creates an impact and remarkable splash in my existence. This unexpected event startles me with anxieties and frustrations towards my future. I feel afraid that my world will be annoyed and I may not be able to recover from it. Due to this negative preoccupations present in my mind, I begun to face life with fears in my side, burden in my heart and painful voice in my ears that whispers "I can't do it" or "I can't face it." Really, that attitude didn't help me; it makes me wearier instead.

Furthermore, my Savior, my God restored me from falling; and just when I thought life is hard, He is very ready to reach out and to help me face those gigantic waves that come and go. He sends me out of the battle with the presence of His Word and Sacrament; and yes I am saved at the end of the day. According to his promise he says, "I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

The Lord allows us to go through hard times but He himself will be there to guide us and to teach us. If there is a splash, there is also silence afterwards. My daily experiences are never the same