Madame Carriere climbed up the second story window but alas! Was cut back. In a few years she grew 20×20 feet. Amazing rose. Have replaced her with another one.
Because I am so cold, I thought a few springish haiku and tanka would take my mind off Winter. It’s not working.
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Haiku
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Dogwoods are blooming
The crucifixion appears
White moths in the night.
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(Dogwoods are a Southern tree here in the South. White blooms
having the form of the Christian Cross, with nail heads. They bloom in the spring right before Easter. They are a symbol of Christianity in Nature.)
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Under the dark moon
I awaited your return
Only shadows came.
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The moon, a ghostly
Sliver, sails on a jet sea
Wild dogs howl beneath.
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A woman in bed
Kimono revealing breast
Snow on Mt. Fuji
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Tibetan earthworms
Bring a halt to all labor.
Here? Fat koi eat well.
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Rooster doesn’t crow
Night’s loud thunder and lightning
Ruins his morning voice.
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Even the hoot owls
Are silent this stormy night
Wind muffles their cries.
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Tanka
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The fire of life
Is love. No exact measure.
A whirling dervish
Hands in opposite display
Gathers in the miracle.
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Spring
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The sound of frog-calls,
In the pond floats a pale moon
Fresh life is stirring
An early owl goes hunting
Wise mice scatter for cover.
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Thin, silken breezes
Float upon a green-ribbon
Of spring—pale season.
Scent of lilies, myrtle, plum
Arouse bees from slumber.
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Restless and confused,
Birds cry out, sky darkening
Rain lashes, flooding
Freshly planted fields drown
Wind sails red tiles from roofs.
–
Jane Kohut-Bartels
Copyrighted, 2018
