Signs of Re-Birth and Renewal

 

Thrusting through Fall's leaves,

Green blades promise another

Spring--as the wheel turns.

Floating . . .

A floating island

Manifests itself, a-swim

In a sea of cloud.

 

Light Magic

Early morning light

Plays on the river birches

Glitters and dances.

Listen! You may hear

The high, crystalline tinkle

Of silvery bells.

Blue Mountain Island

Photo credit John Skemp

Blue Mountain island

Floats still . . . serene . . . unchanging

Beyond bare branches . . .

As glimpsed by pilgrims

Seeking the ineffable

Amid swirling clouds.

Photo by John Skemp

Observed . . .

Fall poplars aflame;

Yellow torches in the mist,

Lighting Winter's way.

Matches flaring up

In the auditorium

Before the last act.

The Joy of Rain on a Hot Day

The air so thick that

Every breath is a struggle

And then the clouds burst

And glorious rain 

Bespatters the goldfish pool,

Lures a sunflower

To lean out and bathe,

Refreshing its dusty face

In the cooling shower.

Toad Song

New snow — in the pond,

Warmed by yesterday’s false sun,

The toads are singing.

Impatient

Eager for Spring blooms,

I bring quince branches inside --

Pale petals unfold.

Early daffodils

Are eager too -- don't they know

It's January?  

All Hallows' Eve

Listen . . . do you hear

Wailing in the darkling wood?

Only wind, you say?

Fool! Hurry inside,

Bolt the door, and wait for morn.

This one night is theirs....

A Sunlit Moment . . .

Smiling in the sun . . .

Not one of us knows, no none,

How soon all's undone.

I came across this archival photo and was reminded of the utter fragility of life . . .
and of the necessity to seize the moment.

The Autunal Equinox

Sun rise at center 

Of the eastern horizon. . .

Day and night balance . . . 

A fleeting moment

On the celestial scales . . .

The great wheel creaks on.

Hopeful Signs

In the morning sun.

A tongue of new green glowing,

Growing in the light.

Forsythia buds 

Swelling green in the window . . .

Clear blue sky outside.

I know, I know -- we've got lots of winter yet to go. But what a pleasure to see these early signs.   

And  in French from Miss Yves--

Bourgeons de forsythia
S'enflant, verts, à la fenêtre
Ciel bleu clair dehors.

Towards Solstice

Black willow reaches,

Longing  for the winter sun
And its cold pale fire.

Time and water freeze;

Stillness lies upon the land, 

Slow, the great wheel turns...

... and in French, courtesy Miss Yves ...

Noir, se tend le saule
Vers le soleil hivernal
Son feu froid et pâle.

Le temps et l'eau gèlent
Le calme s'étend sur terre
Lente, la roue tourne.

Glory of the Morning

Ah! such perfect blooms!

Preening for my camera --

How can I resist?

Green Tide

Green ... the word contains

Myriads and multitudes. . .
Spring's profligate coin.

Chartreuse, emerald,

Sea-green, grass-green, apple-green . . .

I am drunk with green!

Wrapped in blissful greens,

Nature stretches...preens -- I watch,

Rapt in endless greens.

One Tanka, Two Haiku

I removed the second haiku/picture to correct the  spelling and now, drat it, can't make the updated picture post. So I reposted the entire blog -- but am unable to transfer the comments.

But here's the picture . . .  and I'll put the haiku below it.

Aerial assault --

Blur-winged bees descend upon

Fragrant pear blossoms.