22 Oct 2019
by lynn__
in quote, Uncategorized, worship
Tags: apples, autumn, cornstalks, leaves, pumpkins, squirrel, tumbleweeds, wind

do you know what the earth meditates upon in autumn?
when north wind breathes fresh worship
over cornfield of heavy stalks bowed down
as ripe apples bless orchard with abundance
and tumbleweeds dance across rural road?
when crispy leaves gather in harvest pile
over rich soil fully yielded to waning sun
as pumpkins swell with orange-ribbed grace
and squirrel chatters praise for scattered nuts?
do you know what the earth meditates upon in autumn?
The beginning (and ending) question is from Pablo Neruda’s El Libro de las Preguntas.
15 Oct 2019
by lynn__
in haibun
Tags: archaeological dig, Blood Run, catlinite, indigenous, mounds, Oneota
Link to dVerse Poets where Frank J. Tassone hosts a celebration of “indigenous”.
An archaeological dig in agricultural fields reveals ancient city of indigenous peoples: the Ioway, Omaha, Winnebago, Arikara, and Lakota. They settled at the confluence of Blood Run Creek and Big Sioux River, present-day boundary between Iowa and South Dakota.
Mysterious mounds push up; boulder rings outline lodge sites. Horse bones, iron tools, even marine shell wampum have been discovered here. Natives fashioned available catlinite into pipes and clay into pottery. They dug pits for storing grain and other pits for garbage.
This trading center flourished as an economic hub for the region. The Oneota culture left its mark on the land, most notably as a serpent-shaped effigy mound which was unfortunately lost by modern tillage before the area was recognized as an historic site.
indigenous tribes
leave indelible trail on
history’s pages
08 Oct 2019
by lynn__
in quadrille
Tags: chat, guest, porch, setter, sunset, tea
don’t be upset by
my russet setter
on the side porch;
step over him and
please, have a seat
on my satin settee
here we’ll have tea,
chat, recite verset till
supper; then play
games after sunset
until we settle into
long moonset night.
Joining dVerse poets writing quadrilles (44 words) using the word “set”.
06 Oct 2019
by lynn__
in senryu
Tags: ancient, pillars, rubble, ruins, snow, stone
ancient stone pillars
“how impressive!” people say
snow covers rubble
© lynn__
inspired by this classic haiku:
“An ancient road,” they say
How charming
Though beneath this snow.
© Yosa Buson
Joining Carpe Diem Haiku Kai‘s 7th anniversary celebration!
06 Oct 2019
by lynn__
in Uncategorized
drones hover and hum
flit above late summer crops
predator pilots
observe stealth landing
“what is it, grandma?” child asks
investigation

photo by lynn
30 Sep 2019
by lynn__
in haibun, Uncategorized
Tags: autumn, farm, grove, hope, insects, lawnmower, monarch
It’s haibun Monday at dVerse Poets where we’re writing about insects!
I bounce along, riding the lawnmower around our farm site. It’s windy and warm today…excellent weather for drying the crops for the imminent harvest. We’re glad for the silage we’ve already chopped for our livestock. Cows galumph toward the fence when I stop to toss the fallen apples I gathered for them.
While mowing in our grove, I am discouraged to note many trees show signs of stress. Both ash and spruce host invasive insects that bore into exposed spaces in their bark. An epidemic infestation across the nation appears to have arrived here. Time will tell if it’s lethal for these trees we planted many years ago and nurtured to a protective and glorious expanse.
While fretting about insects destroying our grove, I’m surprised by a singular monarch butterfly that flits ahead of me, leading the way. It flutters into my vision as I pass by again and again. Like a shimmer of hope, it gently clings to a leafy branch. Stunning creature with delicate legs and designer wings sent to lighten my mind in a moment of serendipity.
monarch messenger
flashes autumn’s joyful hues
arresting beauty
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