The Ship’s Bell Tolls
One of my favorite songs of all time is the Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald. The haunting lyrics of the song tell such a great story as they recount the perilous journey. A load of 126,000 tons of iron ore headed for the steel mills of Cleveland, Ohio. It must have been a scary sad time when the sailors realized they were taking on water and going down. The cold icy waters of Lake Superior took their toll and all was lost. As the Artic Blasts of November come moving across the United States, I thought I would repost this one for the Veteran Sailors who were lost in the Storm.
Haibun
Spider Poetry
This beautiful writing spider floated in mid-air on the corner of my garage door. Spinning its lines next to the light, it sits waiting for the next poor bug to fly into the web. It is one of the biggest writing spiders that I have seen. Today I saw it wrapping up a bug for future consumption! Looks like his patience payed off!
Spider spins its web
Writing nature’s poetry
Floating on beauty
Photos: Dwight L. Roth
Posting this for my Monday Haibun on d’Verse Poets Pub
Join us at: https://dversepoets.com
Sturgeon Moon
The Full Moon in August is referred to by the Native Americans as the Sturgeon Moon. It is thought that it was due to the large numbers of sturgeon that were available in the northern lakes and rivers at this time of year. Sturgeon are thought to be prehistoric remnants of the ice age. They are bottom feeders that live much longer than most fish. Their boney scale-less bodies and long pointy noses make them look quite different from most fish. Today, Frank Tassone asked us to write a Haikai poem that refers to the Sturgeon Moon. The painting above, of the moon over the mountains and the flowing river, is one I did a few months back. Yesterday, I went back and added more details and color to the original. It is a recycled painting from the Habitat Restore.
Sturgeon Moon rises
Like a boney reflection
Ancient survivor
This is my little corner of the garage where I do my painting!
Remembering Mom
Mom passed away in 2007 at the age of 93. She was one of a kind, caring and compassionate, with a love that went beyond herself to those around her. Her life was spent in service to her family, her husband, and others. She was strong and enduring, with a will to find meaning and purpose up to the end. She took time to read to us when we were young. Her faith in God went very deep and she shared that with everyone she met. She was a preacher’s wife who worked hard to bring the love of God to others.
Mom // strength of mountains
Caring love brings ebb and flow
Compassion for all
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Patio Picnic
One of my great memories is spending part of a week with my two cousins at a vacation house along Stone Mountain in Pennsylvania. We had a beautiful view of Big Valley, where I spent five summers working on their farm. We enjoyed catching up with what we had been doing and taking a walk to the local Amish Bakery. A patio picnic with fresh corn on the cobb and baked chicken topped off the visit.
Summer picnic enjoyed
Great food good conversation
Sweetheart celebrates
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Gina, at d’Verse. reflects on picnics with her family over the years, and asked us to write about a picnic we remember.
Join us at: https://dversepoets.com
Remembering a Life
Today we planted a flowering pear tree in the back yard to remember Ruth’s father. Some dear friends gave us money awhile ago to make the purchase. With spring in the air and temps in the high sixties, it seemed like a good day for this project. We are looking forward to seeing it bloom each spring and thinking of Dad. It will be a great addition to our yard.
A day to reflect
Memories of dad will blossom
With the warmth of Spring
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Lion of Winter
While we are enjoying the first signs of spring in North Carolina, the Northeast is hit with another four to six inches of light snowfall. Fortunately March Lion Snows soon disappear as the sun moves further north.
March // roar all you want
Light snow doesn’t deter spring
Mourning doves shiver
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
More snow is forecast for this weekend. Frank Tassone asked us to address winter going out like a lion. Our Haikai poem is supposed to allude to light snow. You can join us at: https://frankjtassone.com/2019/03/02/haikai-challenge-75-3-2-19-light-snow-awayuki-haiku-senryu-haibun-tanka-haiga-renga/
Downey Woodpecker
This Downey has been coming to my suite feeder and enjoying my sunflower seeds all winter. I see him and his mate, who has no red markings on her head coming back and forth. They are such a pleasure to watch. During the winter months they come every day.
Downey and Hairy woodpeckers are almost identical in coloration. The Downey is much smaller in size and has a much shorter beak than the Hairy, according to audobon.org . Another indicator is the red patch on the top of the head of the male. In the Downey, the red patch is usually solid all the way across. On the hairy it is split.
Up to his eyeballs
in suet cake, Downey feasts.
Saves headaches for spring
Photos: Dwight L. Roth
Sweet Solitude
What is it about the ocean’s ebb and flow that brings healing to the soul? Is it the sound of the surf rolling in; or the breakers crashing one the sand? The rhythm of the ocean draws many to seek solitude at waters edge.
As you sit feeling the water tickle your ankles and soft sand squishing between your toes, the cares of the world seem to flow away with the receding tide. The ocean’s mantra soothes the soul and brings rejuvenation and renewed strength.
Ocean works magic
Soul’s sandcastles wash away.
Summer solitude
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Today Kim, at dverse, asked us to write a Haibun about solitude. I chose to write about the healing qualities of solitude that many find at the ocean.
Come join us at: https://dversepoets.com
Athabasca Falls
When our boys were young, we made a number of trips to the Canadian Rockies and the surrounding areas. One of our stops was at Athabasca Falls. It was a beautiful spot. I took a slide photo of the falls, and when I got home sent it off to get made into a poster. It hung on our upstairs landing until we moved from that house to our present home. It was rather faded but that time but held a lot of sentimental value. I decided to see if I could paint the photo. This was the beginning of my renewed interest in painting. It is now preserved for a lasting memory.
Whitewater roaring
Rocks refuse to wear away
Athabasca Falls
The little fir tree growing in the rocks survived its precarious location. Several years later we visited the falls a second time and it appeared to be about six feet tall!
Painting of Athabasca Falls: Dwight L. Roth
