Haughton Haikus

Oh, this starlit night When all that mourns here passing Is the north bound train. fostered by the land its bounty in the keeping of his callused hands big eyed calf teeters on winter's toes. This unsettled day when all that is for certain is the weight of rain. This long spring night lengthened by rain and a ticking clock. May's scent Chases petals across the field one fence posts two crows elbowing. With each cooling breeze And sigh of twilight yawning Comes a cricket's song. Once where willows bloomed Now cattails dip to savor Sips of morning dew. Reaping what he's tilled old and bent on bringing in Fleece of golden fields Each bold autumn day was equal to the sum of hours to turn hay. Moonlit vagaries shooting stars o'er golden sheaves labor’s  stacked away. Autumn's labor lay blemished as the dampened hay. Bootless in the fields. Icabod's gold moon so fattened on fall's bounty wanes more with each snow seasoned and entwined in measures of one cadence all things come to fall Hear that chick-a-dee His song of repetition Cascades with the snow. In his mind he hears The swish of boot and pantleg rustling dry grass. O'er the stubble, birds, so oblivious of death, sing their morning songs. Through frost tatted glass His eyes still view the promise of another spring.Inspired by Mr. Haughton, a local neighbour, rancher in his mid 80's who is now in hospital after a bad bout - may he see another spring. Written February 2nd, 2002 © on Feb 02 2002 01:58 PM PST, Pat Grantt   0 • 12