Half a Heart Left

Today, on 17th April, World Haiku Day, I would like to share a brief reflection on the essence of haiku poetry and present a haiku-inspired poem before you.

Haiku is one of the simplest yet deepest forms of poetry. It originated in Japan and is traditionally written in three short lines. Its structure follows a 5–7–5 syllable pattern. But beyond rules, haiku is about capturing a single moment in time.

It does not try to explain emotions in detail. Instead, it lets the reader feel them quietly.

A haiku often focuses on small things—nature, silence, memories, or passing thoughts. It finds meaning in what is usually overlooked.

In its simplicity, it carries depth. In its silence, it speaks loudly. This poem is written in the spirit of that simplicity and awareness.

***** ******* *****

your side of the bed still feels warmer than my side I stay where you slept

I say your name once then I pretend not to care it stays in my throat

half of me moved on the rest stayed where you left me waiting by the door

quiet nights echo like you are still in this room I turn, no one’s there

I tried to let go but my hands remember you they reach out for you

morning comes again I wake and reach out for you but you are not there

I laugh with others but it never feels the same something stays missing

if you came back now I would not ask you why I would just hold you

time keeps moving on but I am stuck in that day you walked away slow

this half of my heart still beats like you never left and I let it ache

✍️ Author’s Note

Half a Heart Left is a reflection of lingering heartbreak and emotional emptiness after losing someone deeply loved. The poem explores the quiet space between moving on and still holding on. It shows how memories stay alive in everyday moments, even when the person is gone. Through simple imagery, I wanted to express how absence can still feel very present. At its core, it is about love that doesn’t fully leave, even when people do.