Carpe Diem Tan Renga Squared #1, Cathy Tenzo's ''the steps flow''

Dear Haijin, visitors and travelers,

It is a pleasure to introduce to you an all new special feature here on Carpe Diem Haiku Kai. It is very similar with our weekly Tan Renga Challenge, but with a twist ...
The goal of Carpe Diem Tan Renga Squared is to write a second stanza to a given haiku (as we do in our Tan Renga Challenge) and a new 3-line stanza and 2-line stanza. So the goal is to write a short linked verse of four (4) stanzas.'

For this first episode of 'Carpe Diem Tan Renga Squared' I have chosen a haiku by Cathy Tenzo of Haiku Plate Special. She wrote this one in response on our pilgrimage in March. I think this haiku by Cathy can be of inspiration for you.

Her haiku will be the first stanza (3 lines) and you have to complete this Tan Renga Squared with three other stanzas respectively following 2 lines, 3 lines and 2 lines. To make it a little bit more difficult I love to see that your last stanza (2 lines) has a association with the first stanza by Cathy. Well ... good luck.

Here is my attempt to compose a short 4 linked Renga:

so many temples

all breaths become one
the steps flow   (Cathy)

together with the one I love
on a pilgrimage to happiness   (Chèvrefeuille)

Shantytown Soweto

happiness shared

as we walk through shantytowns
bread and water   (Chèvrefeuille)

unconditional love
as we walk our path together    (Chèvrefeuille)

Pff ... that wasn't easy, it's a real challenge, but it brought me also great happiness. Try it yourself ... by starting your Tan Renga Squared with the haiku by Cathy.

This episode of CD Tan Renga Squared is NOW OPEN for your submissions and will remain open until May 2nd 11.59 AM (CET). For now ... have fun, be inspired and share your Tan Renga Squared with us all here at our Haiku Kai.