Winter thaw in rain Wood decay for mosses' feast Another spring nears =-=-=-= Japan 2024 series-part 1 from November to early January Wintry weather blows Away late December fades As longer days grow The old year drops leaves Shrine visitors come to pray Before New Years comes Bright train ride to work Even Sun boards at the door Persimmon shadows New Years Day they come Plucking their fortunes to tie May the gods bless us Joy and excitement Parishioners and strangers All come to pay respects Yamamoto's shop Rests this sunny New Year's Day Soon open anew Tightly tied fortunes Hold many dreams and worries May the gods respond Both temple and shrine Kawaso-san welcomes all To come and pay respects Zodiac cycle Centers on the year of snake for 2-0-2-5 Hot snacks after rain New Year's shrine visitors come Sights, sounds, smells, and tastes Flyers wait to board And jet across the ocean A new land beckons Matcha swirls inside Generations of hands touch Times of much loved ...
Haiku is rooted in noticing nature, intensely seeing changes and moments of wonder. English 'ku can do this imagistic work without 17 syllables. These photos spark such written poems.