In northern U.S., desperados (a.k.a. winter snow birds) travel off-season; heading due south/southwest in search of warmer weather. Content to leave blowing snow and ice behind, they drive their posse of bumper-hitch campers, fifth-wheels and motorhomes on clearer roads under clearing skies. Some set hopes on a certain destination while others simply wish to wander anywhere there’s sunshine or long arm of the law can’t reach. After staring between jail bars at bare deciduous branches, sightings of cacti and palm trees give welcome relief; every green or blooming plant serves delight to dulled senses. Creativity thaws, dreams awaken, and youth renews with soothing warmth. Here, even the animal outlaws avoid hibernation.
hazy desert heat
shadow under mesquite shrub
javelina snorts
photo by lynn
Hey, they’re saddling up for Haibun Monday at d’Verse Poets today…
Mar 07, 2016 @ 17:15:33
Yes.. Spring now..
creation activity..
Snow birds
go
back to
hibernation
land.. wheRe
spRinG liVes
iN human..
WiNter
never
comes….
SpRinG iS noW…
soulFul refRain’s SpiRit…
eases
WinTer heARt oF soUL..:)
oh.. yeah..
hi Lynn.. iN the middle..
late am i.. hehe.. 4now..;)
Mar 02, 2016 @ 21:04:03
I love your description of those varied snowbirds…we have plenty of them here! I don’t know that animal but it looks like some sort of wild pig of which we have plenty of those too.
Mar 02, 2016 @ 22:13:52
Yes, it is a sort of wild pig called a javelina. I’d like to go to Florida one of these winters…
Mar 02, 2016 @ 15:18:25
Loved this from beginning to end – esp your pic of the javelina! Well done!
Mar 02, 2016 @ 17:26:03
Thank you 🙂
Mar 02, 2016 @ 14:18:47
“posse of bumper-hitch campers” and desperados, and “long arm of the law” – certainly long arm of winter! Nice prose and haiku!
Mar 02, 2016 @ 12:29:01
Ah, yes, when the cold starts nipping at my heels, snow bird meets the road, southward bound. Fabulous haiku to end your well written haibun. Truly enjoyed reading this Lynn.
Connie
Mar 02, 2016 @ 17:25:03
Thank you very much, Connie!
Mar 02, 2016 @ 04:40:31
I too would like to escape the cold if I had to live in it! Entertaining haibun and beautiful photo.
Mar 01, 2016 @ 16:00:17
The closing line in your prose is so clever… smiles
Mar 01, 2016 @ 14:28:40
Love the “Outlaw animals” and the way that you describe the migration as if fleeing from the authorities 🙂
Mar 02, 2016 @ 07:42:55
Thanks, Bryan.
Mar 01, 2016 @ 05:56:29
I felt my bones warming (although it’s pouring rain and blowing a gale outside).
Mar 01, 2016 @ 03:08:15
I have only once been to the US and that was to New York. I love the image this haibun gives me – it takes me to a place I know I will never be able to visit. Thank you.
Mar 02, 2016 @ 07:41:24
You’re welcome…glad you liked it!
Feb 29, 2016 @ 23:41:37
I remember them filling Phoenix when I lived there for eight months, I also remember the emptiness when summer came.
Feb 29, 2016 @ 19:28:52
Your haiku is wonderful.. sets a mood and describes the moment so well. One can feel the afternoon heat.
Feb 29, 2016 @ 20:44:36
I appreciate your comment!
Feb 29, 2016 @ 18:28:29
Well I would love to do the same, escape winter and go south and enjoy the heat ~ I would also feel renewed with some warmth ~ Love the haiku of desert heat Lynn ~
Feb 29, 2016 @ 20:43:59
Thank you, Grace 🙂
Feb 29, 2016 @ 18:14:33
So, I guess I’m one of those desperados…fleeing the snow and ice for this beautiful sunshine and (this week) 90 degree weather. Grateful!
Feb 29, 2016 @ 20:42:51
Good for you, Victoria! We traveled south for a month as well 🙂