Big Fly

buzzing overhead

Why are you hovering me?

annoying big fly

KJ

It is summer. Flies are simply annoying. We wonder why they are part of the natural world. I recognize, though, that there must be some purpose. Events in life can be like a fly. And, unfortunately, sometimes I can recall a person who at particular moments I could label as a fly in my world. So, the real question is, how does one respond to the annoying big fly?

Charred Fields

across the fields of stubble

flame stalks flame

David Cobb

I have seen the farmer's deliberate field burning. I can also recall May 18, 1980, when the beautiful blue sky of a Sunday morning turned suddenly a new shade of gray. Ash from Mt. Saint Helens fell from the sky and I was amazed at the power of nature, probably really felt it for the first time, as the mountain was 400 miles from my existing location.

I don't claim to fall into the "wise old woman" category but my observations of life so far --- this haiku says a lot. After a field has given all it is capable, a burning season is needed so that things can grow again. In life, the flames usually don't feel too great. Sometimes, just when we think the flames are finished, more arises. I remind myself, though, of the before and after images of the contemporary volcano. Once charred, it now now flourishes with growth.

Dragonfly

dragonfly I see

now feasting on mosquitoes

tiny blue buzzing

KJ

Dragonflies can be annoying and I still like them. Something about them makes me wonder, if insects have an emotional element, would they say they like their role in nature? Dragonflies bring a balance to nature, I think.

Lotus

a white lotus ---

the monk decides to cut it!

Buson Yosa

As I explore the work of early haiku writers, I learn more about the Asian belief systems. For example, the lotus is a Buddhist symbol. The flower exemplifies purity and is found in muddy water. A key aspect of the Buddhist belief is the Enlightenment and the white lotus symbolizes this process.

Ancient Pond

ancient pond ---

frog jumps in

sound of the water

Basho Matsuo

Frequently I have come upon this haiku as a known example by Basho. Something about the essential life source of water connects to readers. We have hopefully all heard the sound water makes when something like a frog jumps in. I think a key word here is actually "ancient." We so easily forget in our more developed, modern environment that water and other other essential elements existed before human life.

Spirit

spirit carries you

through the thinly grown grasses

orange wings flutter

KJ

Again, I love the symbolism of the butterfly. The delicate and intricate details the Creator gave this creature is alluring to me. I think the words penned speak for themselves for this one.

The Doe

unaware of sleep ---

evening crackling twigs

doe explores the meadow

KJ

My family went camping and I have difficulty sleeping on the ground due to health issues. Our first night I discovered that my air mattress could not hold the air. So, sitting up I contemplated my options. I hear something outside the tent.  Then there is clarity of hooves. As the sound travels around the tent, I gaze out the open window and see a doe moving through the space we currently occupied.