Sturgeon Moon

August 11, 2019August 12, 2019 / rothpoetry / 35 Comments

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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

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This is my little corner of the garage where I do my painting!

Join us at: https://frankjtassone.com/2019/08/10/haikai-challenge-99-8-10-19-sturgeon-moon-haiku-senryu-haibun-tanka-haiga-renga/

Remembering Mom

May 11, 2019May 11, 2019 / rothpoetry / 14 Comments

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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

*********

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Snowing Cherry Blossoms

April 6, 2019April 7, 2019 / rothpoetry / 21 Comments

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Surprise Spring snowfall

Snowflakes melt in warm sunshine

Cherry Blossoms fall

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Photos: Dwight L. Roth

Today Frank Tassone asked us to write a Haikai poem that alluded to cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms welcome spring in the United States and in Japan, where festivals are held to celebrate them. Last week it snowed one day and was in the sixties F. the next day!

Join us at: https://frankjtassone.com/2019/04/06/haikai-challenge-80-4-6-19-cherry-blossoms-sakura-haiku-senryu-haibun-tanka-haiga-renga/

Blending in…

March 15, 2019March 15, 2019 / rothpoetry / 4 Comments

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Grapevines shelter doves

Warming in winter sunshine

Safer to blend in

Hawks circling high above

We too feel safe blending in

******

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Remembering a Life

March 13, 2019 / rothpoetry / 20 Comments

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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

**********

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Lion of Winter

March 2, 2019March 2, 2019 / rothpoetry / 31 Comments

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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

February 28, 2019 / rothpoetry / 24 Comments

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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.