At L.L.Bean, in addition to having a few published books under our belts, some of us are quite fond of a shorter form of literature: poetry. Recently, inspired by the launch of our 100th Anniversary, members of our Retail Allocations Team got their creative juices flowing and put pen to paper to write a few lines of their own.
You may be familiar with the Japanese short-form style, haiku — the 5-7-5-syllable line format often taught to children as an introduction to poetry. Despite being only three lines long (and a total of 17 syllables), the haiku can convey big ideas in just a few words.
Here’s a haiku that L.L.Bean employees Doug MacLeod and Kirsten Piacentini penned in honor of our founder, Leon Leonwood Bean.
Maine autumn, cold stream
One man, one boot, one hundred
Look back, face forward
Do you haiku? Share your L.L.Bean-inspired poetry in the comment section below or on the L.L.Bean Facebook wall. We may feature your work in the coming weeks.
Happy haiku-ing!
Karen | January 26, 2012 | 6:46 pm
L.L. Bean features
quality, value, service
and leaves me smiling!
Bean’s 100 year
focus on customers
Proves that good things last.
The first hundred years
L.L. Bean’s story goes on
Lucky customers.
Drew Pisani | January 26, 2012 | 7:43 pm
1912 first cast
Trusted outfitter from past
Guaranteed to last
Tammy Fancher | January 26, 2012 | 10:50 pm
Great quality, fair
price, L.L.Bean One hundred
Lifetime guarantee
Michael Alvino | January 27, 2012 | 12:32 am
L. L. What the hell
He failed at first with his BOOT
Then he SUCCEEDED.
Jay | January 27, 2012 | 10:44 pm
fishing gear or jeans
century of sage advice
always check your fly
Ryan WP Russell | January 28, 2012 | 12:12 pm
Hiking through the woods,
Crunching of the leaves and twigs,
Warm jacket, Warm heart
Diane S. | January 28, 2012 | 10:52 pm
starting from Freeport
Bean’s vision became legend
quality always
for one hundred years
Bean’s company grew and grew
now – fans, friends worldwide
Sandra | January 30, 2012 | 9:49 am
Yay for L.L.Bean
Our Customer Service Rocks
No one can beat us!
Anne Heinig | January 30, 2012 | 4:34 pm
bamboo pole tied fly
cold stream trout rise to the bait
contentment repast
Darlene | January 30, 2012 | 6:53 pm
Create, Distribute
Guaranteed to Satisfy
100 years young
Keith Smith | January 31, 2012 | 7:36 am
L.L. Bean birthday
Centennial candles lit
Wishes do come true.
jordan and shane | January 31, 2012 | 6:04 pm
LL You Da Man
Yo Kicks We Representen
Peace Out My Homie
Pamela | January 31, 2012 | 11:12 pm
Hunting and fishing
Fun and favorite pastimes
We love L.L. Bean!
Brenda | February 1, 2012 | 7:33 am
Indoors and Outdoors
You can count on L.L. Bean
To have what you need
Julie J | February 1, 2012 | 11:25 am
Fish, hike, hunt, canoe
Enjoy the outdoors is what
L.L. is about
Jane Davidian-Yurko | February 1, 2012 | 6:21 pm
With walks in the woods
connecting us to our past
We honor L.L.
Jane | February 1, 2012 | 6:23 pm
Though it’s cold in Maine
No such thing as bad weather
Wearing Beans clothing
Jane | February 1, 2012 | 6:26 pm
Rugged Bean clothing
lasts many generations
with warm memories
Jane | February 1, 2012 | 6:27 pm
Maine’s snow falls deeply
along the woods, trails and streams
I’m warm in my boots
Judy Turmenne | February 2, 2012 | 8:43 am
Leon Leonwood Bean
Iconic is Ironic
He simply needed warm feet
Nothing fit the task
So he made his own style boot
First it did not last
But now they last forever
And if they wear out
All they need is a new soul
Line missing | February 2, 2012 | 9:19 am
Leon Leonwood Bean
Iconic is Ironic
When out in the woods
He simply needed warm feet
Nothing fit the task
So he made his own style boot
First it did not last
But now they last forever
And if they wear out
All they need is a new soul
peg | February 2, 2012 | 7:49 pm
walking in the snow
icy toes in Bean boots go
melting warm inside
Dan at L.L.Bean | February 3, 2012 | 7:38 am
Iconic journey
Heritage inspired pride
A hundred years strong
Lisa | February 10, 2012 | 9:32 pm
Rickie Lee sang outside.
My dream of hearing her came true
at LL Bean’s All-Star Joint.
Lisa | February 10, 2012 | 9:36 pm
I love the giant boot
So do the folks from away
The Flagship Store rocks.
Jimmy | February 16, 2012 | 8:01 am
Making the trip up/ to the Flagship in Freeport!/ Hope I can stay calm.
Brian Clark | February 26, 2012 | 5:46 pm
Catalog by mail
Web site for two a day sale
Shopping Bean is fun
Brian Clark | February 26, 2012 | 6:00 pm
Bean makes great luggage
Top quality, look and style
Good bags make the trip.
Seasonal Customer Service Rep | February 26, 2012 | 7:31 pm
Customer Service
place your order day or night
Love to hear from you!
Cyd | February 26, 2012 | 7:49 pm
with water splashing,
in Bean’s boots and hat matching,
showers now i wait.
Albert | March 2, 2012 | 1:02 pm
Laughing and running,
Chasing flakes of falling snow,
To catch on their tongues.
Albert L. Bross, Jr.
Age 90
Haiku on children playing in the snow.
Eric T. | April 29, 2012 | 1:29 am
Outdoor heritage:
A century of Bean Boots
For hunters and all!
Mary | February 3, 2013 | 3:05 pm
Texas may be hot,
But cool as a cucumber
in L.L. gear.
Dorothy | February 27, 2013 | 8:36 am
pima tees
soft and warm
beautiful colors
Life is GOOD!