Nalini Shetty
Held Note
A koel calls at dawn. Its cry slips between the ceiling fan’s blades, between dreams I do not remember. Morning folds itself around the sound.
just this—
a bird’s low song
in stillness
your name held back
by breath alone
About the Author
A stay-at-home mom, Nalini Shetty discovered Japanese short forms in 2017 and quickly developed a deep passion for them. Her work, celebrated for its simplicity and emotional resonance, has been featured in respected haiku journals. She approaches each piece with instinct, blending minimalism and mood to create meaningful connections.