A Haibun: I Walk Alone

My best friend used to walk beside me. On day trips to local parks, weekend hikes in the mountains and holiday journeys to foreign lands. Lymphoma ended her life four years ago. Though I now walk alone, I find my mother in the bird that lands in a nearby tree, the butterfly that dances amongContinue reading “A Haibun: I Walk Alone”

These Walls Don’t Talk

An old house remains on our land. It has two rooms and no plumbing. The remnants of an outhouse sit behind, as does a freshwater creek. We imagine the former residents were farm workers, collapsing onto straw-filled mattresses after a hard day in the fields. Though the only inhabitants truly known are the turkey vulturesContinue reading “These Walls Don’t Talk”

A Haibun: Chukar Partridge

A steep hike up a rocky cliff for a better view of the Great Salt Lake. Strange bird sounds heard in the distance. Where are they coming from? We climb rock after rock seeing nothing, until we are startled by a covey of Chukar rising from the underbrush. Chukar Partridgeswell hidden in the sagebrushmake anContinue reading “A Haibun: Chukar Partridge”

End of Summer?

I rise to a relatively cool morning and throw open the windows for a breath of crispness.  Aaah, fall is in the air!  Until about 8 a.m….  The heat and humidity quickly stifle the exhilaration, reminding me that summer is not over. Another heat wave Summer flowers bow their heads Praying for reprieve dVerse HaibunContinue reading “End of Summer?”

A Haibun: Every Summer

Each summer, I gaze into the bright face of a sunflower and vow to plant some in my garden. Spring arrives… I ready my flowerbeds, go to the local nursery and buy the usual vegetables and annuals.  Deep summer arrives and I see sunflowers…  in somebody else’s garden. Faces shine brightly To rival the summerContinue reading “A Haibun: Every Summer”

A Photo Cannot

A photo cannot capture the caress of a gentle mountain breeze.  Nor can it produce the sound of birdsong echoing through the valley.   It cannot release the perfume of wildflowers that dot the meadow or fill lungs deep with fresh crisp air.  It is simply a chapter in a much larger story. See theContinue reading “A Photo Cannot”

A Haibun: Ruddy Turnstone

Walking along a waterfront in a North Carolina fishing village, I came upon several ruddy turnstones skittering atop the breakfront. I was excited to find a new to me bird and surprised to learn these are fairly common. Pretty little birdsFrolicking along the shoreHappy to meet you I. J.’s Birds of the Week Invitation LXXII

A Haibun: Spirit of Summer

I am loving the long, balmy days as we approach the Summer Solstice.  I have picked the first cucumber from my garden and the few blueberries that the birds were kind enough to leave for me.  I am taking almost daily trips to parks and gardens – staying local as I await the arrival ofContinue reading “A Haibun: Spirit of Summer”

A Gentle Nudge

Drawn to the weeds in my flower garden.  Frustrated to find them there, yet again.  I get down on my knees and start pulling, oblivious to my surroundings. What I really require is a little nudge – a gentle reminder of the blooming flowers that surround my head.  Flowers that will soon wither without acknowledgement. Continue reading “A Gentle Nudge”