Timely Passage
A Haiku Poem
Crossing in between,
Roaring sounds beam light throughout,
Passes just in time.
By Sarah Shahzad, August 2024
About Timely Passage
This haiku captures a moment of intense action and relief.
The haiku begins with the phrase “Crossing in between,” suggesting a moment of transition or movement. This could imply someone or something moving through a space, such as a pedestrian crossing a street or an animal moving between trees.
This line sets the stage for a pivotal moment of transition. It can be seen as a metaphor for life’s crucial decisions and actions where timing is everything. Humans often find themselves “crossing in between” various stages, situations, or choices in life, symbolizing moments of vulnerability and uncertainty. Emotionally, this can invoke feelings of anxiety, anticipation, and the courage needed to take that step.
The “roaring sounds” evoke a sense of danger or urgency, perhaps the noise of traffic or a train. “Beam light throughout” suggests headlights or another source of intense illumination piercing through the darkness or fog, highlighting the scene. This can reflect how individuals often face loud, overwhelming challenges or obstacles that seem to threaten their safety or peace. The light represents both hope and the harsh reality they must navigate through. The human behavior here is one of alertness and acute awareness, a heightened state of focus where every sense is attuned to the environment, driven by an instinctive need to survive or succeed.
The final line “Passes just in time” conveys a sense of relief and narrowly avoiding a potential hazard. It emphasizes the precision and timing of the crossing, suggesting a close call or a narrowly averted accident. Behaviorally, it speaks to the quick decision-making and the agility of both mind and body required to navigate critical moments. It also reflects resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure, celebrating the human spirit’s capacity to confront and conquer immediate dangers or challenges.
“Timely Passage” captures a fleeting moment where someone or something crosses a dangerous path just in time to avoid harm. The haiku uses sensory details like sound and light to create a vivid and tense atmosphere, ultimately resolving with a sense of relief and safety. The brevity and structure of the haiku enhance the immediacy and impact of the moment described.
Human Emotions and Behavior
In terms of human emotions and behavior, “Timely Passage” encapsulates a journey through a moment of acute stress and potential danger, reflecting the following themes:
Anxiety and Anticipation:
The initial step of “crossing in between” highlights the fear and uncertainty that often accompanies significant transitions or decisions in life.
Alertness and Focus:
The intense “roaring sounds” and “beam light” represent the sensory overload one might experience during high-stakes situations. It signifies the need for heightened awareness and quick reflexes to navigate through the challenges.
Relief and Triumph:
The final relief of “passes just in time” underscores the emotional release and sense of accomplishment when successfully overcoming a critical juncture. It embodies the resilience and courage that define human behavior in the face of imminent danger.
